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Does a drunk driving conviction go on your criminal record?
My friend just got caught drunk driving, and he’s worried about his record. What happens if you get a DUI?
Olivia Rose · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
With almost no exception, a drunk driving conviction will go on your criminal record. However, the specifics vary from state to state. In some states, a DUI/DWI will appear on your record permanently; in others, it will fall off after several years.
It is also classified differently by state. For example, in New Jersey, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is not a criminal offense but a traffic offense. New York is the same way when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol (drugs are a different story).
But for the most part, expect drunk driving to show up on your criminal record unless you take steps to have the charge reduced or expunged. Here are a few ways you may be able to clear your record:
- Try to reduce a DUI to a reckless driving charge by entering a plea bargain. Note that it will ultimately depend on the prosecution and whether they believe the circumstances warrant a reduced charge.
- Pursue expungement when able to do so. Some states allow those convicted to petition the court to expunge (aka remove) the DUI/DWI charges from their record after a certain amount of time has passed—for instance, 10 years. The convicted will need to check with their state to see if this is possible. Note that successfully expunging a record may involve hiring an attorney.
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