Are you facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Oakland or anywhere else in the East Bay? If so, you’re probably concerned about the ramifications of a conviction and that’s understandable. If you are found guilty of DUI, the possible consequences include but are not limited to:
- Jail
- Fines
- Probation
- Community service
- Driver license suspension
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- AA classes
- Attend MADD impact panel
- DUI School
- Skyrocketing insurance premiums
- Loss of “Good Driver Discount”
Above are the obvious consequences of a DUI. But, we must also think about the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. For instance, how a DUI conviction affects immigration status, travel to Canada, housing, and more specifically employment.
DUIs lead to criminal convictions, which show up on background checks indefinitely, unless the DUI is expunged under Section 1203.4 of the California Penal Code. In order for a DUI conviction to be expunged, the following requirements must be met: 1) the defendant received DUI probation, and 2) the defendant completed their DUI probation.
Suppose you qualify to have your DUI expunged. If the expungement is granted by a judge, your plea will be changed from guilty or no contest to “not guilty,” and your DUI case will ultimately be dismissed. What are the benefits of having your DUI expunged? It means you won’t be legally required to disclose the DUI on job applications; however, it would still need to be disclosed for teaching credentials and state licenses.
If you are convicted of DUI, state licensing boards still have the discretion not to issue or renew a professional license or credentials; however, if you do get your DUI expunged, it will show these issuing agencies that you’ve taken every possible step to remedy the situation and put the past behind you. In other words, you’ve done everything you can do to take responsibility and make things right in the eyes of the law.
Note: DUIs are considered “priorable offenses,” meaning subsequent DUIs will incur harsher penalties. Even if your DUI is expunged, it will still count against you for sentencing and penalty purposes if you are convicted of DUI in the future.
Recommended reading: “Frequently Asked Questions About DUI.”
Want to learn more about expunging a DUI or fighting DUI charges in the East Bay? Contact our firm for a FREE case evaluation.