- September 28, 2023
If you’ve recently been charged with driving under the influence in South Carolina, you may be wondering what happens if you get a DUI conviction. Will it forever tarnish your reputation and hinder future opportunities? Or is there hope for a fresh start?
Here, we will explain how long a DUI stays on your record and why it is essential to get legal representation from an experienced Orangeburg DUI defense attorney.
How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on Your Driving Record?
South Carolina takes drunk driving very seriously. This is obvious in the harsh penalties for DUI, and also in the way convicted persons are treated after they complete their penalty. The fact is that, in our state, your DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record forever.
Even if it was a momentary error of judgment and you are never charged with DUI again, that single instance will stay on your record. It will appear on various background checks, including for employment purposes or when you are trying to get a mortgage loan.
However, the DUI conviction will disappear from your traffic record after 10 years. Still, you will never really manage to be free of this conviction. This is why it is essential to take any DUI or DWI charge seriously and consult with a skilled Orangeburg DUI lawyer.
Can You Get Your DUI Expunged from Your Record?
You may have read articles online about getting a conviction expunged from your record after a period of time. And you may be tempted to file an application with regard to your DUI conviction, especially since you can prove that you remained on the right side of the law ever since being sentence.
Unfortunately, this is not possible, even with the assistance of an experienced lawyer. This is the short and honest answer. However, here is the explanation for it.
South Carolina Expungement Laws Do Not Cover Traffic Offenses
Expungement refers to the process of sealing or erasing records of past criminal convictions. Many states allow certain non-violent offenses to be expunged after a specific period of time has passed and certain criteria are met.
However, in South Carolina, this option does not extend to traffic offenses such as driving under the influence.
But, even though an expungement is not possible for a DUI conviction in South Carolina, there are still steps you can take to mitigate the negative effects of this offense on your life.
Consulting with an experienced Orangeburg DUI defense lawyer is crucial in exploring all available legal options and developing strategies for minimizing the impact on your future endeavors.
Effects of a Previous Conviction on the Current DUI Offense
When it comes to a DUI offense, one question that often arises is how a previous conviction can impact the current situation. Unfortunately, the effects of a previous DUI conviction can be quite significant.
As a second-time offender, your driver license will be suspended for one year. Also, you will have to pay fines based on the BAC level:
- BAC under .10: between $2,100 and $5,100 fine and a jail sentence of between five days and one year
- BAC between .10 and .16: between $2,500 and $5,500 fine and a jail sentence between 30 days and two years
- BAC above .16: between $3,500 and $6,500 fine a jail sentence between 90 days and three years.
From the third offense, the penalties include minimum five years in jail and license suspension for two years.
How Long Until a DUI Conviction Will Stop Having Negative Effects on Your Life?
As explained above, a DUI conviction will disappear from your traffic record after 10 years. This is the average moment when you will be able to put the negative effects of the conviction behind you.
For instance, your car insurance premium rates will decrease. Also, it will be less likely for potential employees to deny you a job, seeing that you did not commit any further offense for such a long period of time.
Also, in the eventuality that you get another DUI conviction after 10 years, it will be treated as a first offense in terms of penalties.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance, Talk to a Skilled Orangeburg DUI Lawyer!
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe and long-lasting, affecting your driving record, employment opportunities, insurance rates, and more. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced Orangeburg DUI defense attorney.
They will build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. From challenging evidence presented against you to negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties, having a skilled lawyer by your side can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome.
So don’t gamble with your future – call the Orangeburg DUI Guy today to schedule a free case review. Call 803-353-1969 today!
