The consequences of driving under the influence can be far-reaching. A DUI is much more than a minor traffic infraction because it is at least a misdemeanor and becomes a felony in various circumstances.
Since DUIs are so serious, anyone facing such charges may wonder how long the offense stays on one’s record.
How long does a DUI remain on a criminal record?
Any conviction could be lifelong. A DUI stays on a person’s criminal record unless the individual can convince a court to remove it. The incident remains on a person’s driving record for 10 years from the point of the arrest.
Additionally, a DUI might result in jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. When law enforcement accuses a motorist of a DUI, the optimal resolution for the defendant is to beat the charges.
Can a person get an expungement for a DUI?
A DUI can appear on background checks and affect housing, employment and educational prospects. The offense also often raises a person’s insurance rates.
California residents have no way to remove a DUI from their driving record. The Department of Motor Vehicles uses this information to determine the consequences of additional offenses and when to reinstate, revoke or suspend a license. Employers may need information about DUIs to determine job eligibility.
However, an expungement from one’s criminal record may be possible. The incident cannot be one that requires incarceration in the state prison under the current laws. The person must also complete probation.
A successful petition for expungement means the court will seal the records from public view. If a court dismisses a case, a person could even petition for the destruction of the records, making it advantageous for defendants to explore all options while fighting a DUI case.