Having a DUI on your record can inhibit parts of your life. After all, you currently have a criminal record, and this could put a damper on your career plans as well as any financial plans you may have.
Above all, having your records expunged doesn’t mean, all of a sudden, you don’t have an issue with alcohol and driving. Or that you are removing strikes. The courts still have your records, they just aren’t made available to the public.
Because your DUI conviction is embarrassing and can hinder your future, you may want to consider having it sealed or expunged from your record. When this occurs, the conviction is no longer visible via public record, which means that landlords or employers will not be able to see the conviction on your record. However, the conviction will still appear to courts, police departments, and other court-related entities.
It’s very important for you to first understand that not every state and city allow ANY, let alone major crimes, to be expunged from records, so don’t think that expungement is absolutely something that can happen. For example, what may work in Los Angeles may not work in Chicago. It’s also important for you to understand that even though your state may allow records to be expunged, it’s not a guarantee, as it does go on a case-by-case basis.
If you want to have your record expunged, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the laws in your state. The following provides more detailed information about how to potentially get a DUI expunged from your record.
Know the waiting period.
In some states, there is a waiting period before you can apply to have a DUI expunged. This time period varies by state, and you could end up having to wait anywhere from one to five years before you can apply to have the incident off your records.
Consult a DUI lawyer.
If you are truly considering having the DUI expunged from your record, you will need to hire a DUI lawyer to help you through the process. He or she will be able to not only provide you with the information you need, but will also be able to push your expungement request through the system.
Your DUI lawyer will also be able to tell you more about the laws in your state, such as how long you may have to wait for the expungement or whether or not it’s a valid option in your state. Be sure to choose a trusted lawyer that can provide you with the best resources and help throughout the situation.
Understand there are two sides to a DUI.
What most people fail to realize is that a DUI has two sides: criminal and administrative. When you get your DUI expunged, you are likely only removing it from the criminal side of your history. This means that the DUI will still appear on your driving record even if you have it removed from your criminal background. Because of this, anyone that pulls your driving record, including car insurance companies, could still see your DUI.
Because of this, it’s very important to talk with your DUI attorney to determine if you can have the incident expunged from both the administrative and criminal records. This way, you don’t run the risk of having people find out about it even after your record has been expunged.
Article Submitted By Community Writer.