It is completely legal for an employer to deny you a raise for any reason (well, any reason that is not illegal discrimination: e.g. you can't be denied a raise due to your race, religion, age over 40, sex, or disability)--after all, employers do not have to give anyone raises, ever. It is completely discretionary who, when, and for what reason to give a raise--or conversely, to not give a raise. The only exception would be if there is an employment contract or union agreement which, by its terms, requires a raise.You may be able to expunge the DUI, particularly if it is your only offense. Expungement can be somewhat tricky--it would be best to speak with an attorney about whether and how to do this.