Is It Possible to Expunge a DUI Conviction in California?

Have you been convicted of a DUI in California? Then, regardless of the outcome of the trial, the case is going to remain on your public DMV record. But is there a way to expunge a DUI conviction? After all, a stained DUI record can be an obstacle to a job and other opportunities in life.

Fortunately, it can be done. Besides removing the strain from your shoulders, DUI expungement can offer a fresh start by reducing the impact of the conviction. Here’s what you need to know about expunging a DUI conviction in California.

Understanding Expungement

Essentially, expungement allows individuals to have their criminal convictions dismissed or removed from the public records. By California law, expungement doesn’t completely erase the conviction but rather changes the legal status of the conviction to “dismissed.” Sometimes, it can even significantly impact how the conviction affects your future, especially for employment.

Eligibility for Expungement

DUI expungement in California is possible, but you need to meet certain criteria. Generally, you may be eligible if:

1. The Sentence Was Completed: You have completed all aspects of your sentence, including any probation, fines, community service, and DUI education programs. This means you have fully complied with all court-ordered requirements and served all the DUI penalties assigned.
2. You Have No New Criminal Charges: You must not be charged with a second DUI or have other convictions after the initial DUI arrest. In a nutshell, you may find it hard to expunge your prior offense if you are handling another one.
3. You Have Completed the Probation: If your DUI conviction involves probation, it must be successfully completed. In short, this means following all of its conditions without any violations. 

DUI Expungement Process in California The Expungement Process

Here is how California DUI conviction expungement works:

1. Petition for Expungement: You petition the court to expunge the case from the record. Importantly, it needs to be the very court that handled your DUI case. In the expungement petition, you need to request the court to dismiss the conviction and modify your criminal record.
2. Review by the Court: The court then reviews your petition to ensure you meet all the requirements. If you qualify for expungement, the court will issue an order to dismiss your conviction.
3. Court Hearing: Sometimes, you may need to have a court hearing to present your DUI case and explain why it should be expunged from the public record. This is an opportunity for the judge to review your case in detail.
4. Updating Records: Once your petition is granted, the court will update your criminal record to reflect the dismissal. Although the conviction will still appear on your DUI record, it will be noted as dismissed, which can improve your prospects for employment and other opportunities. 

Impact of Expungement

Even after your DUI case was closed and the penalties have been served, your record may have an impact on your life. This is why it is always a good idea to expunge it. Here is how it can help you and what limitations you need to be aware of:

1. Legal Rights: By itself, expungement restores some of your legal rights but does not completely erase the conviction. For example, you may still need to disclose the conviction in certain situations, such as when applying for certain jobs or professional licenses.
2. Background Checks: An expunged conviction is noted as dismissed, but it may still show up on certain background checks. Particularly, this is common for investigations conducted by the police or for sensitive positions.
3. Civil Penalties: Expungement does not remove any civil penalties associated with the conviction, such as increased insurance rates or other financial consequences.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you’re considering expunging a DUI conviction, contacting an experienced attorney is a must. Whis way, you know you will be can guide through the process by a person knowing how it works. A DUI attorney can help you figure out if you are eligible for expungement, prepare and file the necessary paperwork, and represent you in court if needed.

At My Rights Law, we are here to provide knowledgeable support as you navigate the California DUI expungement process. To discuss your DUI case and explore your options, call us today at (888) 702-8882. Let us help you take the next step toward a fresh start with confidence and care.

FAQ

How much does it cost to get a DUI expunged in California?

Depending on the severity of your DUI sentence, it may start with a couple hundred dollars and reach about $4000. This cost includes legal work, filing fees, court appearance of your attorney, and services of process.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my DUI in California?

Probably, yes. It is not obligatory, but collecting, filing, and presenting the paperwork in court can be a tough task. Having a certified lawyer do it for you is much faster and brings much better results.

When can you get a DUI conviction expunged in California?

Once your probation term is over and you have served all the other measures. For instance, if you were assigned a fine and a probation, you can apply for expungement only after the fine is paid and the probation is served.

How long does it take to get Dui expunged?

Depending on the case, the whole process can take from 1 to 5 months. The time frame depends on whether your DUI lawsuit is a felony or a misdemeanor and its complexity.