One of the most damaging crimes that you can commit is driving while intoxicated. Obviously, you can do great harm to others, sometimes causing great injury or even death. You can also harm yourself for life. The consequences of a DUI conviction can negatively affect your professional and personal life as well. In some instances, you may be able to have a DUI conviction expunged from your record. If this option is available to you, you should pursue it.

Expungement

Having your conviction expunged legally means that, as far as the state is concerned, your conviction never happened. In order to qualify for this procedure, you will have to meet certain guidelines and have your lawyer file papers with the court. Not every state allows this move, however. For instance, Texas and Mississippi will expunge some crimes but a DUI is not one of them. In addition, many states do not let you remove the DUI from your driving record.  

Guidelines

Although each state's laws vary, the basic guidelines for expungement are similar. For instance, if you are sent to prison for you DUI, you are unlikely to be given one. Usually, people who are given probation or supervision are in the best position to have one approved. Also, your behavior, including your driving record, after your conviction will have great weight. If you've stayed out of legal trouble and had no driving infractions, you are a better candidate for expungement. If you have been charged with another crime and are trying to get rid of the DUI before that trial, you will almost certainly not have the conviction removed. 

Other Methods

States that do not offer expungement sometimes offer alternatives. For instance, Illinois has something called a Certificate of Good Conduct. When you are granted one of these items, it means that employers can hire you without fear of legal repercussions due to your record. You can also apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disability that will allow you to get a professional license after a DUI. Some states offer you a "non-disclosure" option. In those cases, they allow only law enforcement access to your conviction information.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, you deserve some punishment but perhaps not a lifetime of it. Consult with your lawyer, such as those found at Pollack & Ball LLC, to find out what options are available in your state. Even if you cannot get the record expunged, you may be able to apply for other types of relief. 

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