How a DUI Charge Affects Your Records

In the midst of the confusion following a DUI charge and/or conviction, many people are unaware that their records will be altered. Having DUI records in your background can affect your life in many ways, even years after your conviction. Understanding what can happen to your record is key and with the help of an attorney you may be able to resolve these issues.

Your DUI arrest results in a DUI record, which is usually registered in both criminal databases and department of motor vehicle information systems. When a person is convicted of a DUI, the criminal legal system and the department of motor vehicles report and collect your DUI record(s).

There are other offenses relating to a DUI incident that can also be considered criminal and therefore are reported in DUI records. For example, if you refused to submit to an alcohol test as requested by a law enforcement official, this act is considered illegal, is punishable in a DUI case, and can be included on your DUI record(s).

Your DUI record(s) can then be accessed by several different parties including insurance companies, school, employers, military organizations and colleges-causing devastating effects. Who keeps my records and for how long?

Law enforcement agencies, the legal system and the department of motor vehicles keep your DUI record(s). They are allowed immediate access to them, as well. In the criminal system, DUI records remain on a person's record permanently. However, the length of time that DUI records remain on department of motor vehicle records varies depending on your state.

What can be done to change this?

Ask your DUI defense attorney. With the help of a legal professional, there are ways to lessen the severity of your DUI record(s) in both the criminal and motor vehicle systems. A qualified attorney can help reduce your sentence or, in some cases, have the charges against you dropped!

A DUI attorney can also help expunge or "erase" your DUI record(s) so that they are no longer reported. Expungement is the elimination of DUI records from a person's profile. However, this can only occur by means of a court order when a person with a DUI files and is granted a petition in court. DUI records can not always be expunged, but with the help of your attorney, the chances that nasty, unforgiving DUI record(s) can be removed are greatly increased.