A DUI arrest or conviction in South Carolina can do far more than cause legal headaches — it can jeopardize your employment and professional future.

Whether you are currently employed or seeking a new job, a DUI charge can carry significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom.

Understanding the risks to your career after a DUI is essential if you want to protect your livelihood.

How a DUI Charge Affects Employment

South Carolina law, specifically S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2930, makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it impairs your ability to drive safely.

A conviction for DUI can lead to fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and installation of an ignition interlock device. However, even the arrest itself, without a conviction, can negatively impact your employment status.

Understanding how a DUI affects your job in South Carolina can help you better prepare for potential consequences.

Other Considerations Concerning Employment and DUI Charges

1. At-Will Employment and Termination

South Carolina follows the principle of at-will employment, meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason that is not illegal.

If you are arrested for or convicted of a DUI, your employer may decide that the incident damages the company’s reputation or violates workplace conduct policies, resulting in termination. Some employment handbooks specifically list criminal conduct as grounds for dismissal.

Facing a DUI and employment issue in South Carolina can be especially challenging for those working in sensitive or high-trust industries.

2. Impact on Job Applications and Background Checks

Many employers in South Carolina perform background checks on applicants. A DUI conviction will appear on a background check and may cause potential employers to reconsider your application, especially for jobs that involve driving, security, childcare, healthcare, or positions of trust.

Even if the DUI charge is ultimately dismissed, the arrest itself may still appear unless you take steps to expunge a DUI arrest in South Carolina, if eligible.

Employers looking at your criminal record may view a DUI negatively, particularly if the role requires a clean record or impeccable professional standards.

3. Loss of Driving Privileges

One of the immediate consequences of a DUI arrest is the potential loss of your driver’s license. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-1320, you may face an automatic license suspension after refusing a breath test or blowing over the legal BAC limit.

Losing your license can make it nearly impossible to keep certain jobs, especially if your work duties involve travel or transportation. This makes license suspension after DUI in South Carolina a critical factor for many workers.

If you rely on driving as part of your job, protecting your ability to drive after a DUI charge is essential for protecting your employment.

Special Considerations for Professional Licenses

Certain professions require state-issued licenses to practice legally. For nurses, teachers, real estate agents, lawyers, and especially commercial drivers, a DUI can trigger licensing board investigations and disciplinary actions.

For instance, commercial drivers operating under a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) face harsher penalties and stricter blood alcohol content rules. DUI and professional licenses in South Carolina are a major concern because losing a license often means losing your job altogether.

Additionally, failing to report a DUI, when required, can result in separate violations and harsher penalties imposed by licensing boards.

Will an Employer Always Fire You for a DUI?

Not every employer will automatically terminate an employee following a DUI. Some employers consider factors such as whether it was a first-time offense, whether it occurred outside of work hours, and whether it affects your core job duties.

However, if your position involves driving, managing sensitive information, or working in a public safety role, the risks are much higher. Understanding DUI job consequences in SC can help you take the right steps to protect your career after an arrest.

Taking proactive steps, such as completing substance abuse counseling, meeting court requirements, and being transparent with your employer when necessary, can demonstrate your commitment to rehabilitation.

FAQs About DUI and Employment in South Carolina

Can you lose your job after a DUI arrest in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina’s at-will employment laws allow employers to terminate employees for almost any reason, including a DUI arrest.

Specific industries may have stricter standards when it comes to criminal conduct.

Will a DUI show up on a background check?

Yes. A DUI conviction typically shows up on employment background checks. Even a dismissed DUI arrest may still appear on your record unless it is expunged, according to South Carolina law.

Can a DUI be removed from your record in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, DUI convictions cannot be expunged.

However, if your DUI charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may qualify for expungement to clear your criminal record.

What happens to my professional license if I get a DUI?

Depending on your profession, a DUI may need to be reported to your licensing board. Disciplinary actions could include probation, suspension, or even revocation of your license, depending on the board’s policies.

How can I protect my job after a DUI arrest?

Contact a South Carolina DUI defense attorney immediately, follow all court orders, explore license reinstatement options, and be prepared to communicate appropriately with your employer.

Taking proactive steps can improve your chances of protecting your career.

Steps You Can Take After a DUI Arrest

If you are facing a DUI and employment dilemma in South Carolina, here are some key actions to take immediately:

• Contact a qualified DUI defense attorney to discuss your options.
• Apply for a provisional or route-restricted driver’s license if eligible.
• Review your employer’s policies on criminal conduct and disclosure.
• Consult your professional licensing board if you are in a licensed profession.
• Prepare to explain the circumstances of the DUI honestly and professionally if asked by a current or future employer.

Working with a South Carolina DUI defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of minimizing the career impact.

Need help with your DUI charge in SC?

A DUI arrest or conviction can seriously affect your employment, your ability to obtain future work, and even your professional licenses in South Carolina.

Understanding the full scope of DUI job consequences in SC and taking proactive legal steps is critical to protecting your future.

If you’re facing DUI charges and are concerned about your career, we’re here to help.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn about your legal options for protecting your rights, license, and livelihood.