If you have been charged with driving while under the influence (DUI), you will face harsh penalties such as license suspension, fines, installation of an ignition interlock device, and even jail time. However, the consequences of this offense don’t stop there. If you are convicted of a DUI, it will result in a criminal record. A criminal record can deter you from getting a good job and reduce your earning potential. Ultimately, a criminal record significantly affects a person’s future plans. Therefore, those charged with DUI often wonder whether their DUI will ever disappear. Keep reading to learn whether you can have a DUI expunged from your criminal record in New Jersey. In addition, contact our talented Bergen County DUI Attorneys, who can help defend your rights to maximize your chances of avoiding the harsh penalties associated with this offense.
Why don’t DUI convictions go away in New Jersey?
If you are convicted of a DUI in New Jersey, it will remain on your criminal record permanently. This is because DUIs are not eligible for expungement like other offenses. Under certain circumstances, certain criminal offenses can be expunged or otherwise removed from a person’s criminal record. An expungement can be life-changing. However, DUIs cannot be erased from a person’s criminal record because a DUI is technically not considered a crime. In New Jersey, a DUI is classified as a traffic offense. Therefore, DUIs are not eligible for expungement as they are not criminal offenses.
How can a criminal record impact my life?
Although DUIs are not technically considered criminal offenses, they are still the most severe driving infraction you can be charged with. Therefore, it will be shown in your driving history. This is significant because it increases the penalties you’ll face in the event of a subsequent DUI offense. You will be subject to heftier fines, longer license suspensions, and extended periods of imprisonment.
As mentioned above, a criminal record, in general, will limit your employment opportunities as well as reduce your earning potential. This can significantly impact whether you can earn a living or provide for your family. When an employer runs a background check, they will see your DUI conviction and may turn you away based on your past mistakes. Moreover, a DUI on your criminal record can impact your acceptance into a particular college.
If you have been charged with DUI in New Jersey, contact a seasoned attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector. Our firm is committed to helping our clients avoid the permanent consequences of a DUI conviction. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
