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A DUI conviction doesn’t just carry legal and financial penalties—it can also have lasting effects on your employment prospects. In Nebraska, a driving under the influence (DUI) charge is considered a criminal offense and will appear on most background checks. This visibility can impact job applications, interviews, and even long-term career advancement, depending on the nature of the job and the employer’s hiring policies.
Many people in Nebraska wonder whether a DUI will prevent them from getting hired or if it could jeopardize their current job. While the impact varies based on several factors—including the industry, the severity of the offense, and how recently it occurred—it’s important to understand how a DUI is viewed in employment settings.
This blog post explores how a DUI can affect employment opportunities in Nebraska, which types of jobs are most likely to be impacted, and what your rights and options are when applying for positions after a conviction. Whether you’re entering the workforce or trying to move forward after a DUI, this post offers clear, educational guidance based on Nebraska-specific laws and workplace practices.
Nebraska Employers Can Access DUI Convictions in Background Checks
A DUI conviction in Nebraska is part of your criminal record, and criminal records are public in the state. Most employers conduct background checks before hiring, and DUI convictions almost always show up on these reports unless they have been sealed or dismissed (which is uncommon for DUI offenses in Nebraska).
This means employers will typically see:
- The DUI charge and conviction status
- The date and location of the offense
- Court outcomes and sentencing details (probation, fines, etc.)
The presence of a DUI on your record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from employment, but it may influence how employers view your application. Many hiring managers assess risk and responsibility when reviewing candidates, and a past DUI can raise concerns—especially if the role involves operating vehicles, working with vulnerable groups, or holding a position of public trust.
Jobs That May Be Impacted by a DUI in Nebraska
The effect of a DUI on employment depends heavily on the type of job you’re applying for. Some positions are more sensitive to criminal history, especially if the role involves driving, safety, or professional licensure. In Nebraska, these are the most commonly affected sectors:
- Commercial Driving & Transportation: Employers hiring for CDL or delivery driver positions often disqualify applicants with recent DUI convictions, especially if the license was suspended.
- Healthcare and Medical Fields: Licensing boards may flag DUI convictions, and employers in hospitals or clinics may have strict background requirements.
- Education and Childcare: Schools, daycare providers, and educational institutions typically conduct enhanced screenings and may restrict hiring individuals with criminal records.
- Government and Public Safety Roles: Firefighters, police officers, or other public sector roles may be off-limits to those with a DUI on their record.
- Financial or Legal Services: Professions involving sensitive information or fiduciary responsibility may apply stricter standards during the hiring process.
Even in industries where a DUI isn’t a dealbreaker, it may still delay the hiring process or limit opportunities for advancement. Some employers have internal policies that require additional review for candidates with criminal records, which could lead to longer processing times or additional interviews.
Nebraska Law Does Not Ban Employment After a DUI
It’s important to note that Nebraska law does not prohibit individuals with a DUI conviction from being employed. There is no blanket ban that prevents you from working after a DUI. Employers have discretion, and many take a case-by-case approach when reviewing criminal records.
Factors that employers may consider include:
- How long ago the DUI occurred
- Whether it was a first-time or repeat offense
- Whether the sentence was completed
- Whether the role involves driving or public safety
- Evidence of rehabilitation or continued responsibility
Some companies may be more lenient, especially for older convictions or those that have been addressed through a court-approved set-aside, which indicates that sentencing requirements were fulfilled.
Do You Have to Disclose a DUI on Job Applications in Nebraska?
Whether you need to disclose a DUI conviction depends on the language used in the application. If an employer asks, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”—and your DUI led to a conviction—then the honest answer is yes. Failing to disclose it could result in disqualification later in the hiring process.
However, if the question is more specific (e.g., “Have you been convicted of a felony in the last 7 years?”), and your DUI was a misdemeanor or outside the timeframe, then disclosure may not be necessary.
In Nebraska, there is currently no statewide “ban-the-box” law, meaning employers may ask about criminal history on job applications. That said, federal and state equal employment laws still apply, and employers must follow fair hiring practices when evaluating applicants with criminal records.
Will a Set-Aside Help with Employment Opportunities?
Nebraska law allows for certain convictions to be set aside after successful completion of sentencing or probation. This process does not erase the conviction, but it marks the record to reflect that the court has acknowledged compliance with sentencing terms.
For employment purposes, a set-aside can add important context to your record. Some employers may view this positively, especially if accompanied by evidence of personal growth or time elapsed without additional offenses. However, it does not prevent the DUI from appearing on background checks, and it does not guarantee protection from employment consequences.
Set-asides are available for misdemeanor and felony convictions under certain conditions, but you must petition the court and meet eligibility requirements. It’s a tool that can potentially improve how your record is viewed by others, even though it doesn’t remove the conviction itself.
Getting and Keeping a Job After a DUI in Nebraska
While a DUI can complicate the job search, many Nebraska residents with past DUI convictions successfully find employment—especially with time, effort, and honest communication. Here are a few strategies that may help:
- Focus on rehabilitation and consistency: Employers often look for evidence that the DUI was an isolated event and that you’ve taken steps to avoid future issues.
- Be honest, but concise: If asked about your record, briefly acknowledge the offense and focus on what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown since the incident.
- Seek out second-chance employers: Some Nebraska businesses are more open to hiring individuals with past convictions, especially for entry-level or trade roles.
- Know your rights: Employers must follow fair hiring laws and cannot discriminate based solely on criminal history without considering the nature of the offense and its relevance to the job.
FAQ: DUI and Employment in Nebraska
Will a DUI prevent me from getting a job in Nebraska?
Not necessarily. While a DUI can affect certain job opportunities, many employers in Nebraska consider applicants with DUI convictions—especially if time has passed and the offense was isolated.
What kinds of jobs are off-limits after a DUI?
Jobs involving driving, childcare, healthcare, or public safety may be more restricted, especially for recent DUI convictions.
Do I have to tell employers about my DUI?
If the application asks about criminal convictions, and your DUI led to one, then yes. However, some employers may not require disclosure, especially if the offense was a misdemeanor from many years ago.
Can I still get a professional license with a DUI in Nebraska?
Possibly. It depends on the licensing board. Many boards evaluate applicants individually and consider factors like the time since the offense and steps taken since then.
Will a set-aside remove the DUI from background checks?
No. A set-aside adds a note to the record but does not erase or hide the conviction.
Do employers in Nebraska always run background checks?
Most do, but it varies by industry and company. Background checks are common in transportation, healthcare, and government sectors.
What can I do to improve my chances of getting hired after a DUI?
Demonstrate responsibility, complete all court-ordered requirements, and be transparent if asked. A strong resume and good references can also help.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, a DUI conviction can affect your ability to get or keep certain jobs, especially those that involve driving, public safety, or professional licensing. However, a DUI does not automatically prevent employment. Many employers consider the context of the offense, and tools like a set-aside can help show that you’ve completed your sentence and moved forward. Knowing your rights and understanding how criminal records are used in the hiring process can help you navigate the job market more effectively after a DUI.
To learn more about how a DUI affects long-term opportunities, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page.
For details on employment consequences, read the full Employment and Professional Impact of a DUI guide.