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Driving under the influence (DUI), as we know, is an act of driving while a person is intoxicated either by alcohol or drugs. The drunk driving statistics have been quite alarming in the recent past. In 2008-09, there were nearly 38,000 DUI cases in the US alone, with states like California, Georgia, Florida, and Texas recording the highest number of DUI cases. Considered to be a criminal offense in the US and several other parts of the world, this phenomenon has prompted lawmakers to crack down on DUI offenders, ordering harsh penalties for the convicted drivers. Currently, all states in the US have enacted per se laws that restrict drivers having particular blood alcohol content (BAC) level from operating a vehicle. Generally, the specific DUI laws vary from one state to the other and from country to country.

Consequences of DUI

The DUI penalties depend on whether you are convicted of similar offenses in the past. If this is your DUI first offense, you are expected to pay a huge fine. In many states, your license is suspended temporarily and it becomes mandatory for you to attend DUI educational classes. Other consequences are:

• If this is your second DUI offense, you will certainly face jail sentence, permanent license suspension, a hefty fine and/or court cases.

• Most employers prefer that their employees should have a clean driving record. So, if you have DUI records, chances are that you may lose your job and also have problem finding a new job.

• Those convicted for DUI driving also have to pay higher insurance premiums to their company. At times, the existing policy is also dropped under the drunk driving laws of a particular state.

• Other problems may occur, for example, DUI arrests can weaken an individual’s position in a custody battle, rental applications may get rejected and educational scholarships and loans may be denied.

• In countries such as Canada and some states in the US, immigration related rights may be denied or delayed.

Consulting a DUI attorney

DUI records can be disastrous for your future. But what should you do if you are convicted? You have a solution. The most important step is to consult a competent drunk driving attorney. There are criminal law firms that have specialized lawyers who handle DUI-specific cases. With the advent of the internet, finding the best san mateo dui attorney has become even simpler today.

What you need to know while looking for a DUI lawyer?

You should look for a knowledgeable and experienced DUI lawyer, who knows the DUI laws and ensure that you avoid the severe penalties following a drunk-driving conviction. Look for the number of DUI cases he has handled before and how those trials were resolved.

It is important that you are absolutely honest with your lawyer when you inform about you prior DUI history. For first time DUI offense, penalties are less severe than second or third time DUI cases. You should also produce the necessary documents that are required by your lawyer. He will be your best guide who knows the tricks of the prosecution and in many instances will help you get a DUI expungement as well.

Originally published here.

If you’ve been asking yourself the question how long does a DUI stay on your record, the answer can vary widely depending on the state your DUI occurred in. Fortunately there are things you can do to expunge your record or reduce the severity of the DUI’s effects in states that forbid expungement.

The first thing you should understand is that DUI is a political crime that carries a stigma. Local governments make huge amounts of money from this crime & they also feel immense pressure from private entities like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Putting your faith in the legal system & accepting the hand you’ve been dealt may not be in your best interest. Doing this will serve the political & economic interests of the government & various pressure groups that are looking out for THEIR own interest.

By taking responsibility for your rights & learning all you can about the DUI process, you can learn how long does a DUI stay on your record in your state & take steps to look after YOUR best interests.

DUI offenses are 1 of the very few types of misdemeanor where the punishment can last for almost a lifetime. The answer to the question how long does a DUI stay on your record will vary from state to state. The record can stick like glue for 7-10 years, or even for life. Some states allow for expungement, & some do not. Even in states where expungement is not an option, there are legal steps you can take to create the same effect as an actual expungement.

Once you learn the answer to the question how long does a DUI stay on your record, you can take steps to educate yourself on how to legally erase that black mark for good. You will be able to pass a background check without problem, even if your DUI happened in a state that does not allow for expungement!

Originally published here.