Whether you wanted to enjoy a fun night out with friends or you thought after a couple of drinks that you were okay to drive, the last thing you may anticipate is being charged with a DUI. Unfortunately, this is a common crime in California, as many underestimate the severity of this offense. One thing many are unfamiliar with is how long a DUI will stay on their record. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced DUI lawyer in Sacramento, California to explore what you must know about these charges.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in California?
In California, anyone found driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or over the legal limit of 0.08% or who has alcohol in their system that inhibits their ability to operate a vehicle can face a DUI charge.
If charged with a DUI for the first time in California, you will face a minimum of 96 hours in jail. However, you could face up to six months behind bars. Additionally, you can be sentenced to probation for three to five years, and your license will be suspended for a minimum of six months.
How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Record?
In many states, when you are charged with and convicted of a DUI, it will remain on your criminal record forever. California is no different. Though it will only stay on your DMV or driving record for ten years, this charge will remain indefinitely on your permanent criminal record.
Unlike other states, California does allow those who have been convicted of a DUI to pursue an expungement. This is where you can petition the court to have the conviction removed from your record. However, this is only granted under extremely limited circumstances. However, if you have finished your probation and paid all necessary fines, you may want to connect with an attorney to see if you are eligible for expungement.
What Can I Do to Avoid This?
Because expungement is not guaranteed, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to do everything in your power to prevent the charge from remaining on your record. A lawyer can examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action for your unique circumstances.
At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we understand how complex these matters can be and the impact a DUI can have on your life. That’s why our team will do everything possible to assist you in achieving the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances. Connect with our firm today to discuss your situation with a member of our committed legal team during a free consultation.