How Long Will a DUI Charge Be on My Record?

 Posted on February 20, 2024 in DUI

DUI charges are difficult to navigate, and receiving a DUI conviction comes with a range of penalties, depending on the severity of your infraction. A strong DUI defense and awareness of your legal options after receiving a DUI arrest are essential to navigating this charge. DUI charges never leave your criminal record, which is why it is important to be aware of the impacts such a conviction may have. An Illinois DUI defense attorney is just the person to help you understand your next steps.

What Are the Penalties of a DUI?

A first DUI charge in Illinois is typically considered a Class A misdemeanor. With most first-time convictions, jail time is typically not pursued, but it is possible. Fines and penalties for a first DUI charge include a loss of license, jail time for up to a year, court fees, and fines totaling up to $2,500.

Subsequent DUIs and DUIs involving aggravating factors are prosecuted much more aggressively. In accidents involving serious injuries to others or reckless driving, such as driving with a child under 16 in the vehicle, penalties and fines are increased and the perpetrator is typically charged with a felony. It is important to work with a DUI defense attorney from the moment you receive a DUI arrest to understand your options and have an advocate for your rights during court appearances.

Can a DUI Be Removed From My Criminal Record?

In Illinois, the Criminal Identification Act makes it possible for certain aspects of criminal records to be sealed from the public. This means that a criminal record can only be accessed in certain cases, such as by law enforcement officers or by a court order to re-open the record.

However, a DUI conviction cannot be removed from your criminal record. Illinois law does not allow this. This means that if you receive a DUI conviction, or multiple convictions, they will be visible on your criminal record for the rest of your life. In certain cases, you may be able to pursue a pardon, which is the only way to remove a DUI conviction from your Illinois record, but this is a complex process.

Contact an Elgin, IL DUI Defense Attorney

Dealing with a DUI arrest and the court processes associated with it can be complex, and you need an experienced Kane County, IL DUI defense lawyer in your corner advocating for your rights. Contact The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola for a free consultation by calling 847-488-0889 to learn about your legal options and building a defense in a DUI case.