A DUI (driving under the influence) arrest and/or conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, from rental and employment applications to background checks and car insurance. Laws vary by state, but in most cases, a DUI conviction stays on your record for at least five years. Below, you will learn more about how a DUI Bethlehem PA can affect your life.
Past DUIs can be used in Later Sentencing
In most places, prior DUI convictions can affect the sentence you get for a later offense. There’s no limit on how far back the sentencing review may go; during the penalty phase, convictions decades old can be considered.
DUIs can stay on Your Record for Years
Some erroneously assume that convictions for DUI are automatically removed from their driving record after a period. Many states only keep convictions on the record for a predetermined time, but it is possible to have a DUI Bethlehem PA on your criminal record for life. Most DUI attorneys recommend that their clients periodically review their driving records to determine whether any old convictions are present, in much the same way you’d review your credit report.
Expungement Procedures for DUI Convictions
It is possible to have prior DUIs removed from your driving record, but the process is complex. It begins when you contact your local DMV, which has a set procedure for expungement. You can do this process pro se (without legal help), but because of its complicated and time-consuming nature, some people hire a DUI attorney for help. In many jurisdictions, lawyers almost exclusively handle these cases.
Sometimes It’s Best to Wait
In some cases, your driving record grows less damaging as years go by after your offense. For instance, on most employment applications, your driving record is sought only for the past three years. DUI convictions outside that period may be eligible for nondisclosure if the application does not ask questions about other convictions. Your lawyer will recommend that you regularly obtain and review your driving record, so you can keep up with potentially risky information that can be reviewed by and disclosed to third parties.
