Understanding the Duration of a DUI on Your California Record
A DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for 10 years, but will permanently remain on your criminal record – unless expunged. If you’re seeking to have a previous DUI conviction expunged from your record, having a Los Angeles DUI expungement lawyer on your side can ensure that the best possible argument is made on your behalf.
Eligibility for DUI Expungement in California
At Hutton & Khalaf, our Los Angeles DUI expungement lawyers are devoted to fighting for clients who are facing charges, and helping convicted individuals wipe their records clean in an attempt to move forward with their lives. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our team has the resources and skill to handle even the toughest cases.
While an experienced legal team of California expungement attorneys can assist you in expunging a DUI conviction from your record, there are certain requirements that must be met first in order to be eligible.
Steps to Successfully Expunge a DUI in California
Requirements to be eligible for DUI expungement in California include:
You must have completed probation
Paying all fines and restitution
You can’t be facing any other charges or serving any other sentence
Who Can See Expunged Records In California?
In California, when a record is expunged, it is generally treated as if the conviction never occurred for most purposes. However, there are some exceptions to who can access expunged records:
Law Enforcement and Government Agencies: Law enforcement agencies and certain government agencies may still have access to your expunged record for purposes such as background checks related to law enforcement employment, security clearances, or licensing for certain professions.
Courts: Courts and related agencies may retain expunged records for their own use, such as in future sentencing or probation decisions.
Immigration Authorities: Expunged records may still be accessible to immigration authorities in certain circumstances, particularly if you are applying for a visa or green card.
Private Background Check Companies: Some private background check companies may still have access to expunged records, although they are supposed to update their databases to reflect the expungement.
It's important to note that while an expunged record generally does not need to be disclosed on job applications or in most other situations, there are exceptions where you may still be required to disclose the conviction, such as when applying for certain types of professional licenses or government positions.
If you have questions about who can see your expunged record in California or how expungement might affect your specific situation, it's best to consult with an attorney familiar with California's expungement laws.
Waiting Period for DUI Expungement in California
In California, you must wait until your probation is finished. You must also apply for early probation termination in order to get the expungement process started sooner. If you were not on probation, you can have your record expunged one year after your conviction.
Understanding Second DUI Offenses in California
Even if expunged, however, a DUI conviction remains “priorable” in California – meaning if you are charged with another DUI within 10 years of the expungement, it will be treated as a repeat offense.
Importance of a Strong Defense for DUI Expungement
Because of the inherent complexities in California’s DUI laws, your best chance at obtaining successful results lies in retaining a strong and effective legal counsel. A DUI conviction on your record can be the difference between landing a new job and fighting to simply pass the background check.
Contact Our DUI Expungement Attorneys Serving Los Angeles
Should you hire our Los Angeles DUI expungement lawyers, you can be confident and have peace of mind that your legal team are allies who will aggressively fight on your behalf. Don't wait, if you need help with expungements in California, contact Hutton & Khalaf.
If you need to have a DUI expunged in California, contact Hutton & Khalaf today for a FREE consultation with our expungement lawyers in California!
“I always advise them to immediately call Mark Khalaf.”
Several friends and relatives have been arrested for DUI, and I always advise them to immediately call Mark Khalaf. He has a track record of over 20 years of experience in Criminal Defense Law and a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping his clients navigate and represent them in court and the legal process.
My friends and relatives have told me that Mark provides in-depth explanations, keeps it real, offers realistic possible outcomes, and consistently keeps in contact.
I will continue to refer people to Mark, and I have peace of mind that I have a strong Attorney on my corner in case I ever need representation.
Our Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys have helped hundreds of our clients throughout Southern California get into programs that protect them from jail while helping them work toward lasting sobriety. We aggressively fight DUI charges against our clients and attempt to avoid a driver's license suspension and other harsh penalties. Whenever possible, we will work with the prosecutors to help see that your life and your family won't be destroyed because of a drunk-driving conviction.
