International convictions

nick.saban

Hi guys,

I was curious as to how much convictions in foreign countries impact in Ireland. Would they be considered as serious as if they had been committed in Ireland. For example, if someone had a DUI, or PI, from America, would that prohibit them from getting a job here? Would they be under the same obligation to state it? And would convictions totally rule out a career in law? What about vice versa?

What do you think? Thanks!

johnnyskeleton

It always depends on the circumstances. Irish police can liaise with other countries' police for info on previous. A DUI or drink driving as we call it here is unlikely to affect employment prospects in non- driving related jobs (obviously it would make commercial driver jobs harder to obtain).

As to declaring, the right thing to do is answer the question you are asked as honestly as possible.

Victor

nick.saban wrote: »

I was curious as to how much convictions in foreign countries impact in Ireland. Would they be considered as serious as if they had been committed in Ireland.

One important factor will be equivalence - does a similar offence exist in Ireland? So, committing a morality offence in the Middle East might not be taken with the same seriousness as a fraud or violence offence.

For example, if someone had a ... PI, from America,

What is this?

nick.saban wrote: »

For example, if someone had a DUI, or PI, from America, would that prohibit them from getting a job here?

It would somewhat depend on the relevance of the offence to the job. A dishonesty offence would make it difficult to get a job in law or banking. A substance abuse conviction would make it difficult to get a job in medicine or pharmacy. And so on. Note that while being more drunk in public is tolerated more in Ireland, drunk driving is seriously taboo in Ireland and would receive a much longer ban than in most parts of the USA, which affects both reputation and driving issues.

Would they be under the same obligation to state it?

You cannot lie - if found out, you can normally be fired summarily.

And would convictions totally rule out a career in law?

Not necessarily. A minor public order or traffic offence wouldn't be a complete bar, although it wouldn't necessarily help. The big problems with getting a job in law would be anything to do with dishonesty or that would draw serious negative comment or reputation on the employer - serial public order offences, violence, etc.

What about vice versa?

What do you mean?

Ken.

Victor wrote: »

One important factor will be equivalence - does a similar offence exist in Ireland? So, committing a morality offence in the Middle East might not be taken with the same seriousness as a fraud or violence offence.

What is this?

It would somewhat depend on the relevance of the offence to the job. A dishonesty offence would make it difficult to get a job in law or banking. A substance abuse conviction would make it difficult to get a job in medicine or pharmacy. And so on. Note that while being more drunk in public is tolerated more in Ireland, drunk driving is seriously taboo in Ireland and would receive a much longer ban than in most parts of the USA, which affects both reputation and driving issues.

You cannot lie - if found out, you can normally be fired summarily.

Not necessarily. A minor public order or traffic offence wouldn't be a complete bar, although it wouldn't necessarily help. The big problems with getting a job in law would be anything to do with dishonesty or that would draw serious negative comment or reputation on the employer - serial public order offences, violence, etc.

What do you mean?

P.I. = public intoxication. Drunk and disorderly in Ireland would be the closest offence to it.