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Exploring the Employment Impact of an OWI in Indiana
Getting arrested or convicted for OWI—Operating While Intoxicated—in Indiana can affect more than just your driving privileges. One of the most concerning questions for many people is whether an OWI will affect their job or chances of getting hired in the future. The answer depends on multiple factors, including the type of job, whether the conviction appears on background checks, and whether the record has been expunged.
Indiana treats OWI as a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. That means it becomes part of your criminal record, which is something many employers check during the hiring process. Whether or not it’s a dealbreaker depends largely on the nature of the offense, how recent it was, and the type of position you’re applying for.
This post breaks down how an OWI can impact employment in Indiana, from background checks to employer policies, and from record visibility to expungement options. It’s designed to give you a clear, non-legal explanation of what to expect and how to navigate job searches with an OWI on your record.
Will Employers in Indiana See an OWI on a Background Check?
Yes—unless your record has been expunged, most employers in Indiana will be able to see an OWI conviction during a standard criminal background check. An OWI in Indiana is not a minor infraction; it’s recorded as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the incident and any prior offenses.
What employers see typically includes:
- Arrest and charge information
- Conviction details and sentencing
- Dates and locations of court actions
Many employers use third-party background check providers who scan public court databases for this kind of information. If your OWI has not been legally sealed, it will likely appear on these reports.
However, Indiana law also gives individuals the opportunity to expunge certain convictions after a waiting period. If you successfully expunge your OWI, it should no longer appear in most background checks conducted by private employers.
How Do Indiana Employers Respond to OWI Convictions?
Employer responses to OWI convictions vary based on the industry, job type, and company policy. In some roles, a prior OWI may not matter. In others—especially those involving driving or sensitive responsibilities—it could be a more serious issue.
Here are some examples of how different industries may view an OWI:
- Transportation & Delivery Jobs: These positions often require clean driving and criminal records. An OWI could disqualify candidates from roles involving company vehicles or commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
- Healthcare, Education, and Government: Jobs in regulated industries often require background checks by law. A criminal conviction may raise concerns about judgment or responsibility.
- Retail, Food Service, or Office Work: These employers may be more flexible, especially for first-time or older offenses. Some may not conduct background checks at all.
Importantly, employers are not legally required to reject candidates with an OWI, but they can consider it when making hiring decisions unless the record is expunged.
Can an OWI Affect Current Employment or Lead to Termination?
Yes, in some cases, an OWI can affect existing employment, particularly if the job involves driving, security clearance, or a professional license.
Scenarios where a current job may be at risk include:
- Driving is a core job function (e.g., truck driver, delivery worker)
- License suspension prevents the employee from fulfilling job duties
- Employment contracts include conduct or criminal record clauses
- Company policies mandate reporting of arrests or convictions
Some employers may take disciplinary action or even terminate employment based on an OWI conviction. Others may allow the employee to return to work after completing sentencing and probation requirements.
If you’re currently employed, it’s important to understand your company’s policies on criminal charges and reporting requirements. In some cases, proactively disclosing the situation may help maintain trust with your employer.
How Does Expungement Change Employment Opportunities?
Expungement can significantly improve employment opportunities in Indiana. If your OWI is expunged:
- Private employers will no longer see the conviction on most background checks
- You are legally allowed to say you have not been convicted of a crime (in most cases)
- Most application questions about prior criminal history do not need to be answered “yes”
Expungement does not erase the conviction completely, but it seals it from public access, making it invisible to landlords, most employers, and non-government background check services.
This is especially helpful when applying to jobs that conduct standard pre-employment screenings but do not require fingerprinting or deeper criminal history searches.
However, law enforcement agencies, courts, and some professional licensing boards may still access expunged records in limited circumstances.
Are Employers Allowed to Ask About OWIs in Indiana?
Indiana law allows employers to ask about criminal convictions, including OWIs, unless the conviction has been expunged. Some applications may include questions like:
- “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
- “Have you ever been convicted of a DUI or OWI offense?”
If your OWI has not been expunged, you are required to answer truthfully. If it has been expunged, Indiana law prohibits employers from asking about it or using it in their hiring decisions.
Lying on a job application can result in denial of employment or later termination, so it’s important to answer carefully based on the current status of your record.
Also, Indiana employers are not required to hire you just because you disclosed the OWI honestly—they can still consider it part of the overall hiring decision, especially if it’s relevant to the job duties.
What Jobs Are Most Affected by an OWI in Indiana?
An OWI can be especially problematic for jobs that require:
- Commercial driving licenses (CDLs)
- Government security clearance
- Professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, law)
- Work with minors or vulnerable populations
- Use of company vehicles
These roles often include legal or regulatory requirements that disqualify candidates with certain criminal histories. Even after expungement, some licensing boards may still require full disclosure of prior convictions.
Jobs less affected by OWI history include:
- Entry-level retail or customer service
- Food service
- Remote or non-driving office jobs
- Freelance or self-employed roles
Each employer and industry handles background information differently, so outcomes can vary widely.
How Can You Improve Job Prospects After an OWI?
If you’re job-hunting in Indiana and have an OWI on your record, there are steps you can take to improve your chances:
- Pursue expungement if eligible. This is the most direct way to remove the conviction from background checks.
- Prepare an explanation: Be honest and brief if asked about the offense. Focus on accountability and what you’ve done since.
- Apply strategically: Target jobs that don’t require clean driving records or criminal background checks.
- Maintain a clean record: Avoid any new offenses, which could complicate future expungement eligibility and make it harder to get hired.
- Build a strong resume: Emphasize skills, experience, and positive references to shift focus away from background issues.
While an OWI can complicate the job search, many people in Indiana do find employment again—especially if they take proactive steps to improve their record and stay offense-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWI and Employment in Indiana
Will an OWI automatically disqualify me from getting a job?
Not necessarily. It depends on the employer and the job type. Many companies consider the nature of the offense and how long ago it happened.
Can an OWI affect my professional license in Indiana?
Yes. Some licensing boards review criminal records, and an OWI may delay or deny licensing, especially for jobs in healthcare, education, or law.
Do employers run driving record checks?
Some do, especially for driving-related roles. Even if your criminal record is expunged, your OWI may still appear on your Indiana BMV driving record.
Can I be fired for getting an OWI while employed?
It’s possible, especially if the offense impacts your ability to do the job. Review your company’s policies to understand the risks.
Can I expunge an OWI to help with employment?
Yes. In Indiana, a first-time misdemeanor OWI is often eligible for expungement five years after conviction, and felonies after eight to ten years.
Do I have to tell employers about an expunged OWI?
No. Indiana law allows you to legally state that you have not been convicted of a crime once the record is expunged.
Conclusion: Navigating Employment After an Indiana OWI
An OWI conviction in Indiana can impact employment—both current and future—depending on the job, employer policies, and whether the record has been expunged. While many people face obstacles after an OWI, the long-term effects can often be minimized by understanding your rights, fulfilling legal obligations, and pursuing record expungement if you’re eligible.
Whether you’re applying for a new job or trying to protect your current one, knowing how OWIs are treated during background checks and how Indiana law works is essential. With the right steps, many individuals successfully move forward in their careers after an OWI.
For a full overview of how these offenses impact employment, see our DUI Records and Long Term Impact page.
For detailed insight on employment-related effects, visit Employment and Professional Impact of a DUI.