If you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in the Sunshine State, you will be presumed intoxicated and face a driving while under the influence (DUI) charge. A DUI conviction carries harsh penalties, including significant monetary fines, driver’s license revocation, installation of an ignition interlock device, and possible jail time. However, the consequences of such an offense can stretch far beyond the court-imposed sentence. This conviction appearing on your criminal record will follow you long after you’ve completed your sentence. Often, those charged with DUI wonder whether they can have their conviction sealed or expunged. Please continue reading to learn how long a DUI will stay on your record and how a determined Pensacola DUI Defense Lawyer can help you fight to have your charges dropped or reduced.
How Long Will a DUI Conviction Remain on My Record?
In Florida, the court is aggressive towards DUI offenders to deter them from getting behind the wheel while impaired again to protect the general public from harm. In some states, you can have a DUI conviction completely removed from your record. This is known as expungement, where a record of a criminal conviction will be erased. A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences. Therefore, having a DUI conviction expunged from your record can significantly benefit you down the road.
Unfortunately, you can never expunge a DUI conviction from your record in Florida. If you’re charged with DUI, it will stay on your record indefinitely. Having this mar on your record will thwart your career progression, increase your auto insurance premiums, and ultimately negatively impact your future.
How Can I Keep it Off My Record?
It’s crucial to understand that a DUI conviction doesn’t just appear on your driving record. This offense will result in a criminal record as you’ve endangered others by your reckless actions. In Florida, a DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense. As mentioned above, a DUI conviction will become a permanent part of your record.
Nevertheless, the only two ways to prevent having a DUI on your record are by having the charges dropped or the court finding you not guilty after trying your case. DUI charges may be dropped if there is a lack of evidence. The prosecution is burdened with proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail, your charges may be dropped, or the court may render a not-guilty verdict.
To maximize your chances of having your charges dropped, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a skilled Pensacola DUI defense lawyer. At The Law Office of James M. Burns, we are prepared to tirelessly fight to combat your charges to protect you from an uncertain future.
