After your probation ends, you wonder what’s next. The moment can feel freeing, but there may still be some tasks to complete. After your DUI probation is over in CA, you should pay off any overdue fines, confirm that your probation is officially over, expunge your record, check on your license and insurance, and begin driving again.
Probation can last a long time, so it makes sense that you might be confused or unsure about your next steps. Fortunately, a Los Angeles DUI lawyer can guide you through the process and help you figure out what your options are.
Not all consequences will disappear, so you need to take the time to fully understand what to do after your DUI probation is over in CA.
Steps You Should Take When Your DUI Probation is Over in CA
While you might feel ready to move on with your life, there are some things you’ll need to do first. Here’s a look at what to do after your DUI probation is over in California.
1. Pay Off Any Overdue Fines
As part of your DUI conviction, you may have been asked to pay court-ordered fines. Make sure you’ve covered all outstanding fines, even if your probation has come to an end. Otherwise, you could encounter further issues later down the line.
2. Confirm Your Probation is Officially Over
Contact the court and check that your probation has officially ended. Just because the time period is over doesn’t necessarily mean your probation has finished. Violations could have extended the lifespan of your probation, so it’s always a good idea to double-check just in case. Learn more about the consequences of violating your probation in our guide.
3. Expunge Your Record
Under California Penal Code 1203.4, you may be able to petition for the expungement of your DUI conviction. This is under the assumption that you have completed your probation and did not serve any time in state prison.
It doesn’t remove the conviction from your record completely; however, if successful, your case will appear as “dismissed” on most background checks. This can be beneficial when you apply for a new job in the future.
4. Check Your Driver’s License Record and Insurance
DUI points can stay on your driver’s license record for years, so you may want to check this before you move on to driving again. If you had an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed as part of your DUI conviction, you should also find out if this can be removed.
As for your insurance, your rates could remain at a higher premium even after your probation is over. And you may also be required to maintain your SR-22 insurance for a certain length of time. Confirming these details will help when it comes to the next step.
5. Start Driving Again
If your driver’s license is still valid, your car is ready, and all DMV and court requirements have been met, you should be able to start driving again. Drive safely and avoid any future violations so you don’t end up in the same situation again, especially since repeat DUI offenses often carry harsher penalties.
How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Criminal Record in California?
In California, a DUI can remain on your criminal record indefinitely unless you try to get it expunged. And even when it has been expunged, the conviction won’t be completely erased. Instead, it will appear as being dismissed.
Your DMV driving record is slightly different. Instead of being a permanent mark, your DUI conviction will be removed after 10 years. This means if you are found to be driving under the influence again in the future, your previous conviction can be used to justify giving you more significant penalties.
Having this information appear on both records can impact future employment and changes to your car insurance. That’s why you need a lawyer to explain some of the long-term effects of a DUI and how to make the most informed decisions moving forward.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help Once Your Probation Ends
If you find the legal and administrative process overwhelming, a DUI attorney can help to make everything easier. They will carefully review the details of your case and confirm whether all the probation terms have been met.
A DUI lawyer can also tell you if you are eligible for expungement and take you through the entire process to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. They can answer questions about your criminal record, support you with any DMV issues, and outline any lingering effects of your DUI conviction.
By hiring an experienced attorney, you don’t have to worry about getting your timings right or missing any of those important steps after probation. They’ll take care of it all for you.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to Learn More About Your Next Steps
Now that you know more about what to do after your DUI probation is over in CA, it’s time to start putting it all into action. The first thing you need to do is speak to an experienced DUI attorney.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can help you get the peace of mind you need before you move forward with your life.
Learn more about the California Penal Code on probation and probation violations for DUI cases, or contact us directly, and we’ll put you in touch with an attorney who can offer the support you need.
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