A DUI conviction can affect various parts of your life, from your driver’s license to your employment opportunities. One of the most common questions people ask after being arrested or convicted of a DUI is how long the offense will remain on their record. Understanding the different types of records it will appear on and whether it can be cleared is crucial to protecting yourself and your future. Keep reading for more information and contact an experienced Contra Costa County DUI lawyer for legal advice today.
What is a DUI?
DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence,” and refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. These offenses are governed by California Vehicle Code § 23152 and § 23153.
You can be considered under the influence if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is 0.08% or higher for most adult drivers, 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21, or if the use of drugs or alcohol has impaired your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
How Long Will My DUI Stay On My Record in CA?
A DUI conviction will appear on both your driving record and your criminal record. A driving record is maintained by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and tracks traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents, and more. Insurance companies often review driving records when determining premiums. Criminal records document arrests, charges, court proceedings, and convictions. They are maintained by courts, law enforcement agencies, and the California DOJ (Department of Justice). Depending on the circumstances, criminal records may appear in background checks for employment, housing, and professional licenses.
A DUI typically remains on your California driving record for 10 years. During this time, the offense counts as a prior DUI offense if you are arrested again. Being charged with multiple DUI offenses within a 10-year period can lead to increased penalties, including longer license suspensions and possible jail time.
In most cases, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently, unless it is expunged. These offenses do not get dismissed on their own after a certain time period, so they will appear on background checks indefinitely.
Can I Get My DUI Expunged?
When you get a conviction expunged, the court essentially dismisses a conviction after certain conditions are met. If you serve all the terms of your sentence, including probation, jail time, fines, alcohol education classes, and community service, you can file a petition for expungement.
If your conviction is expunged, it will be replaced with a dismissal on your record. However, it’s important to understand that, even when expunged, the conviction could be relevant in future DUI cases, driving record evaluations, and government background checks.
For more information on how to handle a DUI conviction in California, contact a knowledgeable attorney at O’Connor Law APC today.
