Can a DUI Be Expunged in Florida?
Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) are treated very seriously in Florida. Under the law, a conviction for a DUI cannot be sealed or expunged. This means that if you are convicted of a DUI, it will remain on your criminal record permanently.
Why are DUI Convictions Ineligible for Expungement?
The strict DUI laws in Florida are meant to act as a deterrent against drunk driving. Ensuring that these convictions remain visible on one’s criminal record means they can impact a number areas of a person’s life, such as employment and housing opportunities.
Florida law mandates that every DUI conviction carries with it a mandatory adjudication of guilt. This conviction is the main reason DUI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. The policy behind this is to maintain accountability and public safety. When these records remain accessible to individuals conducting background checks, such as employers, it is meant to discourage repeat offenders and hold individuals with DUI convictions accountable for their actions.
Clearly, when a DUI conviction remains on a person’s criminal record permanently, greatly impacts their life. This is just one reason it is so critical to speak to a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer as soon as you are facing a possible DUI charge.
The Impact of a DUI Conviction on Employment
Many employers conduct background checks before they hire a potential employee. Many employers also have strict policies against hiring or retaining people with criminal records, including DUI charges. This is particularly true for professions that involve a high level of responsibility and trust, such as law enforcement and teaching. Professional licenses can also be lost after a DUI conviction, which can further limit a person’s career opportunities.
The Impact of a DUI Conviction on Personal Relationships
A DUI conviction can also result in personal relationships with family and friends to become strained. These individuals may view a person differently after they are convicted of a DUI, which can lead to social isolation and have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and self-esteem.
The Impact of a DUI Conviction on Insurance Premiums
A DUI conviction will also likely result in increased auto insurance premiums and they will go into effect immediately. Insurance companies view individuals convicted of a DUI as high-risk drivers and so, they charge them rates that are significantly higher. Sometimes, the increase can double or even tripple the premium originally charged.
Individuals convicted of a DUI are also sometimes required to purchase FR-44 insurance under the law. This type of insurance is much more expensive and must be maintained for a specific period of time, typically three years.
Our DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Avoid Serious Consequences
There are many serious consequences associated with a DUI conviction. Namely, the fact that they can never be expunged or sealed and so, you will have to deal with those consequences permanently. At Haber Blank, our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer understands the importance of building a strong defense to help you avoid a conviction, and the consequences of it. Call us today at 954-767-0300 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html
