Alcohol’s effects on the human body have been studied extensively. By now, we understand that consuming alcohol impairs cognitive function and reaction time, making it harder to operate our vehicles safely. An intoxicated driver may fail to identify a hazard in the road, and it could take them longer to respond to the situation in a safe and appropriate manner. Like most states, California imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, even if this behavior did not lead to an accident or injury. You can be convicted of a criminal offense simply for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Unfortunately, having a DUI conviction on your record can create significant barriers to your future, and you may be looked down upon by potential employers, family members, and the larger community. However, some individuals may qualify for expungement, which means that they may petition the court to have the DUI conviction removed from their criminal record. Expungement will ensure that the conviction will no longer show up during criminal background checks, enabling you to enjoy a wider array of employment and housing opportunities. Whether you are interested in seeking an expungement or you are facing a new DUI charge in Palmdale or Lancaster, contact FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin to discuss your legal options. With over 35 years of experience helping individuals in your situation, you can trust that he will advocate aggressively on your behalf to keep your future as bright as possible.
Understanding DUI Crimes in Southern California
First, it’s helpful to understand the various types of DUI offenses in California. These charges can range in severity from misdemeanor to felony offenses. The nature of the DUI charge will vary depending on the specifics of your arrest and whether you have any previous DUI convictions on your record. Most first-time DUI offenders face misdemeanor charges, punishable by three to five years of probation, mandatory jail time of 48 hours, participation in a court-approved DUI school, fines of up to $1,800, and a six-month license revocation. However, if the DUI incident caused serious injury or property damage, or you have one or more previous DUI-related convictions on your record, you could face felony charges. Generally speaking, felonies carry more severe and lasting consequences than misdemeanors. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge, it’s essential that you work with a highly qualified Palmdale criminal defense attorney who will help you understand and enforce your legal rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin is prepared to assess the details of your case to determine the most strategic path forward to keep your future bright.
California DUI Convictions Carry Lasting Consequences
If you are convicted of a DUI crime in Palmdale or Lancaster, you must comply with the terms of your sentence. Once you have attended DUI school, paid the required fines, and completed your probation, you may wonder how long the conviction will remain on your record. When it comes to your driving record, it’s important to understand that a DUI conviction will remain a part of your California driving record for ten years, starting from the date of the arrest. Unfortunately, there is no way to have this record removed any sooner than the full ten years. Having a DUI conviction on your driving record means that law enforcement can view this information when they access your record during a traffic stop, and car insurance companies may use the DUI conviction to modify your insurance policy. Although the California DMV’s record of your DUI conviction will not appear on background checks, the original conviction will show up on your criminal record as well.
Removing a DUI Conviction From Your Criminal Record
Once you’re found guilty of a DUI crime in California, the conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. Whenever you apply for a job, housing, or a volunteering position that requires a background check, the DUI conviction will be visible. However, California recognizes that people make mistakes and, in many cases, they can learn from them. California allows some individuals to pursue an expungement request, which allows the court to order the removal of a DUI conviction from the petitioner’s criminal record. One expungement relief has been granted, you can honestly answer “NO” to application questions about your criminal history. You will need to meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for expungement relief, such as demonstrating that you have successfully completed all the terms of your probation and that you did not serve time in state prison for the offense. Reach out to FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Navigating the DUI Expungement Request Process in California
If you are interested in pursuing an expungement request in Palmdale or Lancaster, contact FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin right away to discuss your options. The legal process for filing and requesting expungement relief can be daunting and complicated without the guidance of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. You will need to obtain a copy of your criminal record, file an expungement petition, serve the prosecuting attorney, and move through several other critical steps to obtain expungement relief. When you work with a certified criminal law specialist with over 35 years of experience, you can trust that the steps you take will be well-informed and specially designed to help you achieve your desired outcome.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need a reliable and aggressive criminal law specialist to help you keep your future as bright as possible. FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin has over 35 years of experience to ensure that your rights remain upheld and protected at every turn. Call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin today at (661) 267-1313 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled and dedicated DUI defense attorney. We offer flexible payment options, so get in touch today.