If you’re facing a driving while under the influence (DUI) charge, you may be wondering how a conviction can impact your life. While you may expect harsh penalties such as hefty fines, driver’s license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and possible jail time. A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences far beyond the court-imposed sentence. This may leave you wondering how long a DUI conviction stays on your record. Please continue reading to learn whether you can expunge a DUI conviction in South Carolina and how a determined Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer can help protect your future.
Can You Expunge a DUI Conviction in South Carolina?
In some states, it’s possible to have a DUI conviction completely erased from your record. This process is known as expungement. A DUI conviction can impact your life in many ways. Therefore, having a DUI conviction removed from your criminal record can significantly benefit you as it mitigates the negative consequences that may arise from such a conviction, like difficulty finding good employment or affordable auto insurance rates.
Unfortunately, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged in South Carolina. A DUI conviction will stay on your criminal record indefinitely. As far as your driving record goes, your criminal conviction will no longer appear on your traffic record after ten years without a subsequent offense. Since your DUI conviction cannot be expunged, it will show up during a background check for the rest of your life.
How Can I Keep it Off My Record?
As mentioned above, a DUI cannot be expunged from your record, meaning it will become a permanent part of your record once you’re convicted. Therefore, it’s crucial to combat your charges with everything you have to prevent them from negatively impacting your future. The only way to keep a DUI off your record is by having the charges reduced or dropped. It may be possible to have your charges reduced to a reckless driving charge. While reckless driving is still a serious offense, and you will lose your driving privileges for a period, if it’s your first offense, you may be able to have your record sealed after three years.
Nonetheless, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, they may not render a guilty verdict, resulting in your charges being dropped.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in South Carolina, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a skilled Chesterfield County DUI lawyer from the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., who can help protect your rights. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
