| An expungement is a process where a conviction or plea of either Guilty or No Contest in a criminal case is set aside and the case is dismissed, including a DUI arrest. |
Expunging RecordDUI records pertaining to an individual's DUI arrest are typically registered in both criminal databases and department of motor vehicle information computers, and can possibly go through the expunging procedure. DUI records can be accessed by several different parties. Having DUI records in one's safe keeping can affect a person's life in many ways for years after the DUI incident unless have them undergo the expunging process. If you are trying to learn the criminal history of an individual, there are a number of available ways to do so. If you are concerned that the individual may be a sex offender, you may look them up in the public registry required under "Megan's Law". If you are trying to check to see if somebody is incarcerated, many state departments of corrections now have "inmate lookup" search strings on their websites. (Note that a state department of corrections search will not include people incarcerated in a county jail, nor would they reveal federal convictions.) Some states will list all persons who have been incarcerated with, or placed under the supervision of, the state department of corrections, enabling you to find if that person has committed a crime of sufficient gravity to be placed in prison or on parole. These factor into whether you can have them go through the expunging process or not. When a person is convicted of a DUI the criminal legal system and the department of motor vehicles report and collect DUI records. The length of time that a criminal record or DUI records remain on department of motor vehicle records varies depending on the state where you reside. Other entities also have the right to access DUI records for years after the DUI incident. Insurance companies can access DUI records. This harms a DUI records holder because insurance premiums can be significantly increased with DUI records or an insurance company can refuse to cover you. Employers, colleges, military organizations and professions with licensing requirements can access DUI records as well. This can make obtaining employment or other endeavors very difficult for people with DUI records unless you have them go through the expunging procedure. |
