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DUI and Your Criminal Record

Being charged with DUI can be a frightening prospect. This crime, though generally considered to be a misdemeanor, leaves a permanent dark mark on one's criminal record that can affect future employment, loans, and admission to educational programs or institutions. Criminal records are considered to be public documents, and despite dismissed charges or acquittal, the record of a DUI charge will remain on one's record. However, through a process known as expungement, you can regain a clear criminal history.

How to Clear Your DUI Criminal Record

Expungement is the act of erasing a past criminal conviction or arrest, and it may be used in the case of a DUI. In some cases, a certain amount of time must pass before an individual can begin the process of expungement. Once that time has passed, however, you can utilize the assistance of a qualified DUI attorney to assist you with clearing your record. To speed up this process, those seeking expungement are encouraged to gather related documents, such as their DMV and court records, as early as possible.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement. Those who have committed a felony DUI cannot get their records cleared. Other factors that may affect one's eligibility include number of previous criminal incidents, the seriousness of this incident, and whether or not there was a conviction associated with this incident.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about how DUI can affect your criminal record, contact the Seattle DUI defense lawyers of the Cowan Kirk Law Firm today at 1-866-822-1230 to speak with one of our qualified attorneys about your concerns.

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn

Cowan Kirk is known throughout Washington and the nation for representing all of its clients with commitment, creativity and compassion. We recognize how devastating a DUI charge can be, particularly when our clients learn how incredibly tough Washington's DUI laws have become, even for a first-time offender.

Contact Us

If you need a DUI defense attorney in Seattle, Bellevue, or King County, contact us today to find out why respect for our clients, a passion for justice, and our commitment to winning have earned each of us the highest honor a member of the bar can receive from our colleagues – their referrals.