How Long Does A DUI Stay On Your Record?

For example, drunk driving is considered a criminal offense in certain states. This largely depends upon the limit that is considered above the permissible threshold. It will depend upon the city and state you live in. Most states across the country have adopted a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration as the legal limit. But when it comes to Utah, this limit changes to 0.05% for drivers over the age of 21.

Things are going to change for you if you have a commercial driver's license. If you are operating a commercial vehicle, you will have to abide by the legal limit set by the federal motor carrier safety administration which is 0.04%. In such a situation, if you are convicted of a DUI, it is going to impact your non-commercial driver's license as well.

Usually, there is no difference between a DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated or impaired) due to any kind of alcohol, drugs or sleepiness, or other factors such as substance use/abuse. However, a few states across the country are going to differentiate between the two on more than one ground.

Now Let's Understand The Consequences Of A DUI On Your Overall Record

There are obviously the immediate consequences of it which are law enforcement issues, jail time, and fines, but there are long-term repercussions as well. These include:

• Suspension of your driving license.
• Various restrictions on driving privileges.
• Travel restrictions may get imposed on you (specifically to other countries).
• Insurance companies might charge you higher car insurance rates probation might be longer than expected.
• You might have to attend court-ordered alcohol education programs.
• You might even be required to complete a formal alcohol or substance use evaluation.
• Court-ordered substance use disorder treatment is also a possibility.
• It might also reflect as a criminal record on your part.

You should know that your very first DUI arrest will be treated as a misdemeanor. But this doesn't mean that you are at freedom to commit this mistake again. Subsequent DUI convictions are most likely to result in felony charges. You do not want any of that because they will get treated as serious criminal offenses. You should also be aware that if you are charged with a felony DUI, you may lose your right to vote. However, this is going to vary depending upon the state you live in.

Legal Consequences Of DUI - Let's Delve A Little Deeper

48 states across the country have administrative license suspension which is usually applied for first-time DUI convictions. The suspension of anybody's license can range from 30 days to a year or even longer. Some of the states allow limited driving privileges which may include driving to and from work.

If we talk about fines and penalties, it might result in a very steep amount even for first-time offenders. For example, in the state of California, one can expect fines within the range of $1,400 to $2,600 very easily.

• Jail Time

Do you know that a first-time DUI I offender can also face jail time? This ranges between 24 hours and up to a year depending upon which state you live in.

The ignition interlock system is a device that may be used to disable the engine of your car if you are found using alcohol or if illegal traces of it are found in your bloodstream/detected on your breath. Every state has its own ignition interlock program and it is mandatory in 31 states after a DUI conviction.

Moving To Another State – Does The DUI Follow?

So, you got a DUI in one state. Now, you are worried whether it will show up in another state or not. The simple answer to this is yes. If you have been charged with a DUI and were convicted outside of your home state, it is going to follow you home. Most states across the country participate in a common program that gives them access to information about the driving records and history of every car owner. This does not concern a department of motor vehicles background check.

So, if you thought that running away from your home state to another is going to remove it from your license or probably reinstate it, you were wrong. The DUI is going to stay put regardless of the state you move into. You will not be able to obtain a new license until the suspension is revoked.

So, now you know how long a DUI can stay on your record. It all depends upon the state you live in and the seriousness of the felony that you have committed. It is better to get in touch with your lawyer and understand the legal consequences of this misdemeanor.