Local DUI Laws

How a DWI Can Influence Job Opportunities in Minnesota

A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge or conviction in Minnesota doesn’t just end with court appearances, fines, or license restrictions—it can also follow you into the workplace. For individuals trying to secure or maintain employment, a DWI record often becomes a concern. Will it show up on background checks? Can it cost you a job you already have? Does it disqualify you from specific careers?

In Minnesota, DWIs are criminal offenses, and criminal records are frequently used by employers during the hiring process. Even a first-time DWI can have long-term implications for employment eligibility, especially in jobs that involve driving, public safety, trust, or regulatory oversight.

This article outlines how a DWI affects employment in Minnesota, what types of jobs may be impacted, how employers typically respond, and what steps individuals can take to manage or mitigate the professional consequences of a DWI charge or conviction.

What Employers See: DWIs on Background Checks

The first way a DWI affects employment is through visibility on background checks. In Minnesota, most DWIs appear on criminal background checks, and many also show up in motor vehicle record (MVR) reports.

Unless the record is sealed through expungement, employers can typically see:

• The date of the offense
• The charges filed (e.g., DWI, refusal to test)
• Case outcome (conviction, dismissal, plea deal)
• Sentencing information
• Current probation or court supervision status

This information can be accessed through:

• Public court records
• State databases maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
• Third-party background screening companies

Because Minnesota considers even a first-time DWI to be a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, it is officially categorized as a criminal offense and will appear on most standard employment checks unless expunged.

Which Jobs Are Most Affected by a DWI in Minnesota?

Some industries are more sensitive to DWI records than others. In Minnesota, the impact of a DWI on job eligibility depends heavily on the nature of the job and the employer’s specific policies.

Here are some of the most commonly affected roles:

Jobs That Involve Driving

A DWI can immediately disqualify you from any job that requires driving as a core responsibility. This includes:

• Delivery drivers
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) operators
• Bus drivers
• Chauffeurs
• Courier and logistics personnel

In Minnesota, a DWI can result in temporary or long-term license suspensions, ignition interlock requirements, and disqualification from holding a commercial license—all of which can prevent you from legally performing driving duties.

Jobs in Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

Professions that involve working with vulnerable populations—such as children, elderly adults, or patients—are subject to stricter background checks. Employers in these fields may see a DWI as a sign of potential risk or liability, even if the incident was years ago.

Common roles affected:

• Nurses and nursing assistants
• Home healthcare aides
• Teachers and substitute teachers
• School staff
• Social workers

Minnesota law often requires fingerprint-based background checks for licensure or employment in these areas, making it very difficult for a DWI record to be overlooked.

Government and Public Sector Jobs

Jobs in the public sector or within state and local government often involve a review of full criminal and driving records. A DWI can influence hiring decisions for roles in:

• Law enforcement
• Public safety
• Transportation departments
• Regulatory agencies
• State-funded programs

While a single misdemeanor DWI may not automatically disqualify a candidate, it could raise red flags in positions where trust and safety are key.

Financial and Professional Services

Some roles in finance, accounting, legal services, and other licensed professions may be affected by a DWI—especially if the licensing board for that profession reviews criminal history.

For example:

• Lawyers and paralegals
• Accountants and tax preparers
• Insurance agents
• Real estate professionals

These roles often involve fiduciary duty, ethics standards, or public trust, which means past offenses may be viewed more critically, even if they are not directly job-related.

How Employers in Minnesota Evaluate a DWI Record

Minnesota employers are legally allowed to conduct background checks and factor criminal history into their hiring decisions, but they are also subject to federal and state anti-discrimination laws, including:

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Requires consent for background checks and gives applicants the right to dispute inaccurate information.
• Minnesota’s Ban the Box Law – Prevents employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications, but allows them to consider it later in the hiring process.

Once a background check is completed, employers often evaluate DWI records based on:

• The severity of the offense (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony)
• How long ago the incident occurred
• Whether there were any aggravating factors (e.g., high BAC, property damage)
• Whether the applicant has a history of repeat offenses
• The relevance of the offense to the job duties

In many cases, a single DWI that happened years ago and has not been repeated may not be a dealbreaker—especially if the applicant has strong qualifications and a clear record since the incident.

How a DWI Affects Current Employment

A DWI doesn’t only affect job seekers—it can also have consequences for people who are currently employed, depending on the nature of their work and the policies of their employer.

Common scenarios include:

• Job loss due to loss of license – If your job requires driving and your license is suspended, your employer may terminate your position or place you on leave.
• Disciplinary action for policy violations – Some companies have codes of conduct that require employees to report criminal charges. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary measures.
• Reduced eligibility for promotion or advancement – A DWI on record may make it harder to move into leadership or sensitive roles within the company.
• Background check during re-certification – Some roles require ongoing screening or license renewal, during which a DWI may be discovered.

However, not all employers take punitive action. Some may allow continued employment if the offense occurred outside of work and did not affect job performance.

Can a DWI Prevent You From Getting a Professional License?

Yes, in some cases. Minnesota requires background checks for many state-regulated professions. A DWI could raise concerns during the licensing process—especially if the role involves public safety, transportation, healthcare, or fiduciary responsibilities.

Examples of professional licenses that may be impacted:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Nursing or other medical certifications
• Legal licenses (attorneys, paralegals)
• Teaching credentials
• Real estate and insurance licensing

Licensing boards often consider:

• How recent the offense was
• Whether it was part of a pattern
• Whether the applicant disclosed it
• Steps taken toward rehabilitation or accountability

Some boards may allow licensure with conditions, such as probationary periods or additional documentation.

Can You Improve Your Employment Prospects After a DWI?

Yes. While a DWI can be a significant obstacle, there are steps you can take to improve your standing with employers in Minnesota.

1. Seek Expungement (If Eligible)

In some cases, misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor DWIs may be eligible for expungement. Once expunged, the record will no longer appear in most employment background checks, improving job prospects. Learn more here: Can a DWI Be Expunged or Sealed in Minnesota?

2. Be Honest During the Hiring Process

If an employer asks about criminal history, answer truthfully but concisely. Explain that the matter has been resolved, and focus on your qualifications and what you’ve learned since the incident.

3. Obtain Character References

Letters of recommendation or references from past employers, mentors, or community leaders can help demonstrate rehabilitation and strong character.

4. Show a Clean Record Since the Incident

The longer you go without new offenses, the more employers will see the DWI as an isolated mistake rather than a pattern of behavior.

5. Focus on Fields That Are More Forgiving

Some industries are more open to applicants with past offenses, especially if the DWI is unrelated to the job duties. These include many roles in hospitality, retail, construction, and trades.

FAQ About DWIs and Employment in Minnesota

Will a DWI automatically disqualify me from getting a job?
Not always. Many employers consider the type of job, the time since the offense, and whether it’s part of a pattern.

Do I have to tell my employer about a DWI?
Not in all cases. However, if your job requires a clean record or a valid driver’s license, disclosure may be necessary.

Can I be fired for getting a DWI in Minnesota?
Yes, especially if the offense affects your ability to perform job duties—like driving. But not all employers will take action.

Will expunging a DWI help with employment?
Yes. Expunged records typically do not show up on standard employment background checks.

How long does a DWI stay on my record for job checks?
Indefinitely, unless expunged. Many employers review the past 7–10 years.

Do all Minnesota employers run background checks?
No, but many do—especially for full-time, public-facing, or regulated positions.

Conclusion

In Minnesota, a DWI can influence employment in many ways—from background check visibility to eligibility for certain licenses or positions. The impact varies depending on the nature of the offense, the type of job, and the employer’s policies. While a DWI is a serious matter, it does not automatically end your career prospects. With time, rehabilitation, and possibly expungement, it’s often possible to overcome the professional barriers a DWI creates.

For more insights on how a DWI can affect your job prospects, visit Employment and Professional Impact of a DUI. For broader information on the long-term effects of DWI convictions, see DUI Records And Long Term Impact.