Posted on Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 6:24 pm
A DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Your job, career, and professional reputation face serious risks. Understanding these employment impacts is critical to protecting your future and taking action before a conviction becomes permanent on your record. If you’re facing DUI/OVI charges in Cincinnati, Moermond & Mulligan, LLC can help protect your employment through aggressive legal defense.
Note: In Ohio, DUI is officially called OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). Both terms refer to the same offense under Ohio law.
Understanding Ohio’s At-Will Employment Laws
Ohio operates under at-will employment principles, meaning employers can terminate employment for most reasons, including a DUI/OVI conviction. Unlike some states with more restrictive employment protections, Ohio employers have broad discretion to fire employees based on criminal convictions.
When you face a DUI/OVI charge, your employer may learn about it through background checks, court records, or direct notification. Even if your job doesn’t involve driving, a DUI/OVI conviction can trigger immediate dismissal. Employees in Ohio have limited legal recourse to challenge termination based on a conviction, making early legal intervention critical to protecting your employment. An experienced Cincinnati DUI/OVI defense attorney can work to prevent a conviction and preserve your job.
DUI/OVI Convictions and Background Checks
One of the most damaging aspects of a DUI/OVI conviction is its permanent appearance on background checks. Here’s what you need to know:
- DUI/OVI convictions appear on background checks indefinitely in Ohio
- Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows indefinite reporting of convictions
- Ohio prohibits expungement of DUI/OVI convictions (unlike many other states)
- Employers routinely screen for criminal history during hiring
- A conviction can disqualify you from future employment opportunities
This means a DUI/OVI conviction doesn’t just affect your current job—it follows you throughout your career. When you apply for new positions, employers will see the conviction. Competitive industries and positions requiring background clearances will likely reject your application outright.
The inability to expunge a DUI/OVI in Ohio makes this situation particularly serious. In states that allow expungement, individuals can petition to have convictions removed from their record after a certain period. Ohio offers no such relief for DUI/OVI convictions, making prevention through legal defense your only option to avoid permanent employment consequences.
Professional License Suspension and Revocation
If you hold a professional license, a DUI/OVI conviction poses an additional threat. Licensing boards across Ohio take DUI/OVI convictions seriously and often impose discipline ranging from suspension to permanent revocation.
Professions most affected by DUI/OVI convictions include:
- Medical professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses, physician assistants)
- Legal professionals and law enforcement officers
- Pilots and aviation professionals
- Pharmacists and healthcare practitioners
- Other licensed trades and professions
Licensing boards receive notification of DUI/OVI convictions and initiate disciplinary proceedings. These proceedings are separate from criminal court and follow their own procedures. Even if you retain your freedom, you may lose your professional license—and with it, your career.
The disciplinary process involves investigation, hearings, and potential sanctions. Some boards impose automatic suspensions pending resolution of the criminal case. Others conduct full hearings to determine appropriate discipline. Regardless of the process, a DUI/OVI conviction gives licensing boards grounds to take action against your professional credentials. Fighting your DUI/OVI charge is essential to protecting your professional standing.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Disqualification
For those whose livelihood depends on driving, a DUI/OVI conviction creates catastrophic employment consequences. Ohio Revised Code § 4506.15 mandates specific CDL disqualifications for DUI/OVI convictions.
CDL impact summary:
- Minimum one-year disqualification on first offense
- Longer disqualifications for subsequent offenses or aggravated circumstances
- Affects delivery drivers, truck drivers, and all transportation workers
- Results in immediate job loss for CDL-dependent employment
- Creates barriers to finding alternative work in the transportation industry
A one-year CDL suspension means you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle for work purposes. For truck drivers, delivery drivers, and transportation professionals, this translates to immediate job loss and significant income loss. Even after the suspension period ends, employers may be reluctant to hire someone with a DUI/OVI conviction on their record.
The long-term career implications are severe. Many transportation companies have zero-tolerance policies for DUI/OVI convictions. Even after your CDL suspension ends, you may find it impossible to return to your previous career path.
Employment Consequences Beyond License Loss
Beyond licensing and CDL issues, DUI/OVI convictions create broader employment obstacles that affect your career trajectory and professional relationships.
Additional consequences include:
- Immediate termination in safety-sensitive positions (security, healthcare, childcare)
- Removal from company insurance for 3+ years (impacts sales roles with company vehicles)
- Difficulty renting vehicles for work purposes
- Negative employer perception regarding responsibility and judgment
- Damage to professional reputation and workplace relationships
- Barriers to career advancement and promotions
- Difficulty obtaining security clearances for government positions
These consequences compound over time. A DUI/OVI conviction signals to employers that you lack judgment and responsibility—qualities essential to most professional roles. Even in positions where driving isn’t required, employers view DUI/OVI convictions as red flags indicating poor decision-making.
Your professional reputation suffers as well. Colleagues, clients, and business partners may learn about the conviction. This damage to your reputation can affect your ability to advance, secure promotions, or transition to new opportunities within your industry.
Protecting Your Employment: Legal Defense Strategies
The most effective way to protect your employment is to fight the DUI/OVI charge rather than accept a conviction. Here’s why early legal intervention matters:
Why early legal intervention matters:
- Experienced legal representation can prevent a conviction entirely
- Potential outcomes include dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal
- Avoiding conviction means avoiding permanent employment consequences
- Early intervention preserves your professional licenses and career
- A conviction is permanent in Ohio—prevention is critical
When you face a DUI/OVI charge, you have options. An experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence, question police procedures, and identify constitutional violations. Many DUI/OVI cases contain defects that provide grounds for dismissal or reduction.
The difference between conviction and acquittal is your entire career. Accepting a plea deal or allowing a conviction to occur locks in permanent employment consequences. Fighting the charge gives you a chance to avoid those consequences entirely.
Why Work with Moermond & Mulligan, LLC
Moermond & Mulligan, LLC has defended DUI/OVI cases in Cincinnati and throughout Ohio for over 30 years. Our team brings extensive experience, proven results, and deep knowledge of Ohio DUI/OVI law to every case.
Our track record includes:
- L. Patrick Mulligan is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist (one of only 9-24 in Ohio). He has earned recognition as a Super Lawyer for criminal defense excellence, is listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers (National Trial Lawyers), and is included in the Top 100 DUI Attorneys (National Advocacy for DUI Defense).
- Brad Moermond was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 in 2020, an honor recognizing the nation’s top young trial attorneys.
- The firm has secured successful case outcomes, including dismissals, acquittals, and favorable reductions.
Our founding attorney, L. Patrick Mulligan, holds Board Certification as a Criminal Law Specialist from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a credential held by fewer than 1% of Ohio attorneys. This certification requires substantial trial experience, passing a rigorous examination, and maintaining continuing legal education. It represents the highest level of professional recognition in criminal defense.
Co-founder Brad Moermond brings prosecutorial experience from the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, where he prosecuted hundreds of felony cases. This insider knowledge of prosecution strategies gives our clients a significant advantage in defending against charges.
Our defense strategy focuses on protecting your employment by preventing a conviction. We investigate thoroughly, challenge evidence, and identify every possible defense. Whether through dismissal, reduction, or acquittal, we work to achieve outcomes that preserve your career and professional future.
We understand that a DUI/OVI charge threatens more than your freedom; it threatens your livelihood. That’s why we fight aggressively to prevent the permanent employment consequences of conviction.
Contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC today for a confidential consultation about your DUI/OVI case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired for a DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employment for most reasons, including a DUI/OVI conviction. Even if your job doesn’t involve driving, a conviction can be grounds for immediate dismissal. However, if you avoid conviction through effective legal defense, you can protect your employment.
Will a DUI/OVI conviction show up on background checks?
Yes. DUI/OVI convictions appear on background checks indefinitely in Ohio. Unlike some states, Ohio does not allow expungement of DUI/OVI convictions, making it critical to fight charges rather than accept a conviction. This is why early legal intervention is essential to protecting your career.
How does a DUI/OVI affect my professional license?
Professional licensing boards in Ohio report DUI/OVI convictions and may suspend or revoke licenses for doctors, nurses, lawyers, pilots, and other licensed professionals. The impact depends on your profession and the board’s disciplinary procedures. Fighting the DUI/OVI charge can help preserve your professional license and career.
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Written By: Moermond & Mulligan, LLC
Last Updated: 11-04-2025