DUI Driving Record

The consequences for a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction can have far-reaching effects. While some penalties are short-term, such as paying the necessary fines or attending DUI School, others can affect your life long-term. Your DUI driving record is example of how a DUI conviction can return to haunt you.

Most drinking and driving offenses are classified as misdemeanors if they do not involve injuries or prior offenses. Unfortunately, you will have a criminal record, regardless of if your conviction is a misdemeanor or felony. This criminal record may affect your future employment opportunities as well as your insurance coverage and/or premiums. 

Many people mistakenly believe that a drunk-driving conviction will drop off of their DUI driving record in seven or ten years, however this is not the case. Unless you proactively work to have your conviction expunged, it will remain on your record forever. This means that it is available for credit bureaus, government agencies, and employers to see at anytime.

Your DMV driving record contains information regarding your convictions, violations, license class, and license restrictions. If your insurance has ever been cancelled, such as for your DUI conviction, it will also show up on this record. It is important to check your driving record periodically to catch any inconsistencies that may appear.

Your criminal record contains information regarding any misdemeanor or felony convictions. This may include your name, birth date, and description of the charges brought against you. If you have your conviction expunged, this will not show up on your criminal record.

If you have been convicted of drunk driving, it is important to speak with a qualified DUI lawyer. Your lawyer will work closely with you to ensure your DUI driving record does not permanently affect your life. As stated above, having a conviction on your record may make it harder for you to be hired. It can also raise your auto insurances rates, or make it difficult to find an insurance company to offer you coverage.

DUI driving record expungement is the only way to have your conviction removed. An experienced lawyer can help you file the necessary expungement paperwork.