Should You Tell Your Boss About Your DUI Charge?

Quality Legal News

If you were recently arrested for a DUI, you likely feel upset, embarrassed and anxious. You may also feel nervous about telling your boss about what happened. While it may seem easier to avoid mentioning the DUI to your boss, it might not be the right thing to do. Here are a few reasons why you should tell your boss about your DUI charge.

It’s a Requirement for Security Clearance Holders

Do you hold a federal security clearance? If so, you’re required by law to report your DUI charge to your employer. Even if you believe you were wrongly charged and that it may be dismissed, you still have to tell your boss.

You Can Avoid Telling Further Lies

After you get charged with a DUI, you’ll need to follow several steps, like attending court appearances and meeting with your lawyer. You may have to miss several days of work because of this. Instead of making up a lie about why you can’t be at work those days, tell your boss the truth. If you don’t have to come up with a lie every time you have to miss work, it can take a lot of stress off your back.

It’s Better That Your Boss Finds Out from You

The last thing you want is for your boss to find out about your DUI charge from another source. For example, he or she could be reading the newspaper and find out about your arrest that way. If you come clean first, you will be able to provide further explanation to your boss and establish trust.

How Do I Tell My Boss About My DUI Charge?

It’s definitely not easy telling your boss that you were arrested for a DUI. You might feel embarrassed and scared about potentially losing your job. However, if you’re completely honest and direct with your boss, things should go just fine. Here are a few tips to consider.

  • Tell your boss when and where you were arrested for a DUI and what you learned from the experience. However, don’t try to make excuses for your actions. If you take responsibility for what you did, your boss will respect you more.
  • Inform your boss about any days you will have to miss due to mandatory jail time or court dates. Your boss may or may not be willing to work around your schedule.

If you were charged with a DUI, you should consult with an experienced DUI lawyer in Fairfax, VA as soon as possible.

Thanks to May Law, LLP for their insight into criminal law and if you should tell your boss about a DUI charge.