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Does a DUI in California stay on your record forever?
Question:
Does a DUI in California stay on your record forever?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Recent media reports show a growing trend of more women who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) are more likely to have children in the car with them at the time. This is an alarming statistic that correlates with the fact that nearly one out of five children in the nation are a passenger of a DUI offender.
First Time Offender Penalties
New laws that went into effect as of July 1, 2010 requires first-time DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle as part of a test program in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare counties. The consequences of a DUI in California will also result in a minimum of 48 hours in jail, but this can possibly be converted to work service through the Sheriff’s office. An automatic 4-month license suspension will be imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles with a 90-day license restriction following that. This means that offenders may be allowed to only drive to and from work or school.
California DUI Conviction & Your Driving Record
The laws in California changed in January 2007 regarding how long a DUI offense stays on driving record. Prior to that time, all convictions remained on the offender’s record for a period of seven years. That has been extended to 10 years and is a matter of public record allowing insurance companies to access the information. New provisions that were added to the Insurance Code under a recent Senate bill allows insurer’s to determine whether an individual is eligible for a good driver discount. A DUI conviction within the past ten years will preclude them from obtaining such a discount.
Don’t Face the Judge Alone
Anyone who has ever been to traffic court in California knows that you may spend your entire day waiting for you case to be called before the judge due to overcrowded dockets. It can be agonizing and nerve-wracking waiting for your punishment to be imposed. Defendants who are represented by legal counsel automatically move to the front of the line. When you hire an experienced drunk driving attorney, they may even work out a plea deal with the District Attorney, possibly reducing the charges against you.