Washington State takes changes for driving under the influence (DUI) very seriously. A DUI conviction can result in fines, jail time, and a license suspension. These convictions also show up on your driving and criminal record.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Washington State? DUI convictions remain on both your driving and criminal record for life in Washington. You can learn more about the results of a conviction with a DUI lawyer.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Washington State?
A DUI conviction will stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life in Washington State. While our state allows for vacating records of conviction for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses, the government specifically disallows this option for DUIs.
Therefore, once the court convicts someone of a DUI, the conviction will stay on their criminal record indefinitely. Anyone who checks your record will see this offense, including landlords and potential employers.
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How Long does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record in Washington State?
According to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), some DUIs stay on your driving record for life. However, alcohol-related offenses charged as reckless driving may come off your record after 10 years, depending on certain legal factors.
Several different parties can view your driving record, including:
- Employers
- School districts
- Volunteer organizations
- Transit authorities
- Insurance companies
These organizations will see past DUIs on your driving record. However, they are not legally allowed to share this information with third parties. You cannot remove a DUI from your driving or criminal record in most circumstances.
So, how long does a DUI stay on your record? It can remain for the rest of your life.
How Will a DUI on Your Record Impact Your Life?
Having a DUI on your driving or criminal record can impact your life in various ways. For example, you may have issues traveling to Canada for a visit if you have a DUI or other alcohol-related conviction on your record.
Additionally, a recent DUI on your record could result in higher rates for your car insurance. Some insurance companies will not offer policies if you have a past DUI conviction. Typically, insurance rates come down again after three years.
DUI convictions may also impact your ability to work some jobs. You could lose a professional license after a conviction. Fortunately, you can take steps to deal with DUI charges with help from a criminal defense lawyer.
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A Lawyer Can Help You Keep a DUI off Your Record
A DUI conviction can stay on your criminal and driving records in Washington State for the rest of your life, impacting your future in numerous ways. But you can address this situation before a conviction by contacting a DUI lawyer for help.
An attorney can take steps to prevent a conviction. In many situations, lawyers focus on getting DUI charges reduced to a less serious offense, like a charge for reckless driving. Attorneys may get some charges dismissed by the court.
A lawyer can also represent you in court, fighting to avoid a conviction and providing helpful resources to assist you in this situation.
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How do Lawyers Fight DUI Charges in Washington State?
Attorneys use several strategies to handle DUI accusations. Depending on your specific circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
- Showing that the police stopped you without due cause
- Showing that the Field Sobriety Tests were not performed voluntarily or administered according to standards
- Arguing that the police lacked Probable Cause at the time you were arrested
- Proving that the police incorrectly administered a blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- Establishing that the BAC machine exhibited errors in the breath test process
- Demonstrating you were not impaired at the time of your arrest
Breath tests used to measure BAC can provide incorrect results, so a lawyer may help even if you “fail” the tests during a traffic stop. You have legal options that can help you protect your future by keeping a DUI off your driving and criminal record.
Lawyers know how long a DUI stays on your record and can take steps to help you avoid this serious penalty.
Keep a DUI off Your Record With a Criminal Defense Lawyer
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Washington State? A DUI conviction will stay on your criminal record and driving record for life. Therefore, it’s essential that you address DUI accusations before a conviction with help from a professional legal team.
You can reach out to our team at NextLaw for assistance after a DUI arrest. We take you seriously and can begin the legal process now. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
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