If you were charged with a DUI in the last ten years, this blog is for you. Continue reading to learn how your DUI conviction appears on your driving record and your criminal record, and how it affects both.
Driving Records
Every state is different when it comes to how long a DUI conviction remains on a driving record. For instance, states like Arizona have a 5 year period, while states like California have a 10 year period. Unfortunately, if you are a resident of Indiana, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record forever. But Indiana is not alone; additional states that have this same “for life” rule include Alaska, Ohio, Kansas, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.
In Florida, DUI’s stay on driving records for 75 years, while New Mexico residents will have their DUI on record for 55 years. Those who can access driving records include government officials, law enforcement, and the drivers’ licensed branch. The general public would have a harder time accessing these records, which means you may not have to worry about having a DUI conviction on your driving history.
Criminal Record
A DUI is not just a driving infraction, it is also a crime. This means that a conviction will appear on your driving record, as well as your criminal record. For Indiana residents, a DUI conviction remains on a criminal record much like a driving record: forever. The only way to have a DUI removed or sealed from your criminal record is to have it expunged; however, there are various strict prerequisites for qualifying for criminal record expungement.
The list of those who can access your criminal records is much longer than the DMV list. Anyone can access criminal records because they are public, including employers, landlords, scholastic admissions committees, and even friends and family. For this reason, it is wise to consider expungement in your state.
Talk to a Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer TODAY
Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Facing a DUI charge? We also provide aggressive DUI criminal defense! Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case. Whether you are looking to avoid the maximum penalties for your DUI charges, or you want to learn more about expunging them, we can help!