If you were convicted of a DUI in North Carolina, let’s find out how long it can affect your record. Did you know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 37 people in America die each day—or one death every 39 minutes— in drunk-driving car crashes.
Lawyers from Peters Associates, LLC, say that you can defend your rights, future, and freedom against a devastating DUI charge. DUI convictions can be life-altering and extremely devastating to your legal rights, personal, and professional reputation. You could even be subjected to fines, jail time, license suspension, electronic home detention, probation, etc.
If you were convicted of a DUI in North Carolina, let’s find out how long it can affect your record.
Understanding DUI Convictions in North Carolina
If you face a DUI accusation in North Carolina, understand the legal ramifications and penalties involved. And one of the frequent questions that arise is, how long does a DUI stay on your record in North Carolina? A DUI lawyer says that a DUI stays on your record permanently in North Carolina. A DUI arrest and a DUI conviction are different. An arrest could be completely removed from your record if you were never charged or not convicted.
Remember, that once convicted of a DUI, it can no longer be removed from your record.
Depending on the severity of the Driving Under the Influence (DUI), you could expect to face heavy fines, license suspension, and, in far fewer cases, actual jail. The degree is based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or if this is the first time. You will even be required to attend alcohol education classes. A DUI can also affect other aspects of your life, including employment.
Consult an experienced DUI lawyer who is well-informed about the legal consequences and can help you with your case.
Duration of DUI on Your Driving Record
A DUI on your criminal record in North Carolina can affect you in so many ways for a long time. A DUI can revoke your license, impact your civil compensation for seven consecutive years, and negatively impact your job applications, credit applications, and housing needs.
Keep in mind that a DUI conviction can even last longer than 7 years. After 7 years, your DUI record would be visible in the law enforcement.
Impact of DUI on Insurance Rates
After a DUI conviction, your insurance premium rates can hugely increase. Insurance companies may think that you represent a greater risk. Therefore, they might charge you more or even deny your coverage.
Your premiums could rise from 20% to 60% or even more. To curb these costs, consider comparing quotes across several companies and attending some sort of safety course they might offer. Stay informed so you can handle the financial impact.
Employment Consequences of a DUI
Aside from the possible increase in your insurance rates, a DUI conviction can also affect your job applications. Employers carry out background checks and your DUI record may appear.
Key driving or safety-sensitive positions may raise questions about your reliability. Some organizations still have strict policies against hiring individuals with criminal records, even if your job’s primary responsibility does not involve driving.
Be equipped to discuss the DUI label openly if it comes up during the selection process, explaining that the incident is all in the past and you can change for the better.
Options for Expungement and Record Sealing
In North Carolina, you typically cannot expunge a DUI conviction from your criminal record. However, there are exceptions for certain first-time offenders who have been convicted of other crimes.
While expungement removes a conviction from your record, sealing, on the other hand, restricts public access to your criminal history. The procedure can prevent employers, landlords, and others from seeing the conviction, though law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access.
Once you’ve completed your DUI-related consequences, it’s essential to focus on moving forward. Stay committed to responsible driving to avoid future legal troubles and the lasting consequences of a DUI conviction. Taking proactive steps to drive safely not only helps protect you and others on the road but also ensures that you don’t face further legal challenges in the future.