DWI / Drunk Driving / DUI Criminal Record Expungement

Drunk Driving Process

What is a DUI Expungement?

DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving expungement aka criminal record sealing & post conviction relief. A legal process whereby a persons criminal record is altered in a favorable manor. The main benefit of expungement is the ability to withhold any expunged convictions from potential employers.

Adults who are convicted of a criminal offense such as DWI / Drunk Driving / DUI can apply to have that offense expunged (sealed), usually after a year and as long as their is no other criminal convictions outstanding.

Upon a successful expungement, convicted persons can lawfully treat arrests and/or convictions for the expunged offense as if they never happened in most circumstances. This allows a defendant to make applications to schools, jobs and for professional licenses while being able to say they do not have any criminal convictions.

In effect it gives a person a 'clean slate' and a 'new start', helping them put their past mistakes behind them and helping them prevent any barriers to securing gainful employment and/or education opportunities.

An expunged criminal conviction is sealed from the majority of potential employers and the like, however it can still be used and found by government agencies, law enforcement and judges. This means a person who has a DUI conviction that has been expunged can legally tell most prospective employers that they have no criminal convictions, however, if they commit another DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving offense within the look back period of their State, they can still be classed as habitual drunk drivers and the previous expunged DUI conviction will be taken into account and used to increase the severity of any sentence, penalty and drivers license suspension/revocation imposed.

A person applying for jobs in law enforcement or judiciary may trigger a government agencies criminal records check and any expunged convictions will come to light. There are certain professions which expunged criminal convictions may need to be disclosed, these jobs are usually those that require a license from the State such as law enforcement, doctors, judges, lawyers, attorneys and stock brokers.


Who can get their criminal offense(S) expunged?

The specific rules and regulations on who is eligible for expungement can vary by State. This is why it is advised that people wishing to expunge any criminal record consult with an attorney in their State. Here are some general guidelines that apply to many expungement programs:

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