In California, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years if you are under 21. In addition to having a mark on your driving record, a DUI conviction can also lead to fines, license suspension, and jail time. If you’re facing DUI charges, speak with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer.
An experienced attorney can build a strong defense strategy, fight to get your charges reduced or dropped, and protect your rights. Let’s take a closer look at how long a DUI stays on your record in California if you are under 21 and how a dedicated DUI lawyer can combat your charges.
How Long Will a DUI Stay on Your Record if You Are Under 21?
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ information on the retention of driver record information, a California DUI will stay on your record for 10 years if you are under 21. If you have a DUI on your driving record, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and potential employers will be able to see it.
If you are under the age of 21 and are facing DUI charges in California, you’ll want to work with a trusted DUI attorney. A lawyer can protect your public record, making it much easier for you to apply for jobs and sign up for insurance policies in the future.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in California?
DUI convictions go on both your criminal record and your driver’s record in California. DUIs for individuals over the age of 18 can stay on their criminal record indefinitely. These charges would show up if someone ran a background check on you. The following individuals could run a background check:
- Landlords
- Potential employers
- Institutes of higher education
The California courts sometimes “lock” criminal records if you got a DUI while you were under the age of 18. However, if you were over 18, the DUI will show up on your criminal record.
Having a DUI on your record can impact your application for college, a job, and even a professional license. Fortunately, a lawyer can make a strong case against any criminal offenses you’ve been accused of related to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Removing DUI Charges from Your Criminal Record
As mentioned earlier, a DUI charge will stay on your criminal record indefinitely in California. However, there are processes to remove a DUI conviction from your record in some cases. You could get your record sealed if you were a minor at the time of your arrest, for example.
You can also talk to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer about getting your charges expunged. Expungement is available for many misdemeanor charges in California. Expungement can remove a charge from your record if you have followed all the terms of your probation.
This means that a DUI charge would not show up on many background checks. Once expunged, your charge won’t impact your insurance rate, job application, or ability to drive a commercial vehicle. Get in touch with an attorney to start building your defense and learn more about how long a DUI stays on your record.
DUIs and Your Driving Record in California
A DUI conviction can also show up on your driver’s record in California. Your driver’s record is kept by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). DUI charges stay on your driver’s record for 10 years from the date of your arrest.
While a DUI charge is on your driving record, it is considered priorable. Priorable offenses count against you if you are accused of another DUI in California. You face harsher penalties if you have past DUI convictions on your record.
Note that there is no way to remove a DUI charge from your driving record. You have to wait for the 10-year period to expire in order for the charge to come off your driving record. Reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about how long a DUI stays on your record in California if you are under 21.
Other Effects of an Under-21 DUI in California
As you can see, an under-21 DUI conviction in California can stay on your record for a long time. However, this is not the only penalty for a DUI conviction. California has a zero-tolerance policy for DUIs while under 21.
This means you can face criminal charges even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is very low. Drivers under 21 must keep their BAC under 0.01%. Drivers with an elevated BAC can face:
- Fines
- The suspension of their driver’s license
- A mandatory alcohol education program
Drivers with a significantly elevated blood alcohol concentration can face harsher criminal charges. The legal limit for drivers over 21 is 0.07%. Drivers who exceed this BAC level can face “adult” DUI charges. These charges can lead to jail time, higher fines, and additional penalties.
Handle Under 21 DUI Charges with a Lawyer
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help if you are accused of a DUI in California. If you handle a DUI charge and avoid a conviction, it will not show up on your record. A lawyer can work to block evidence against you and to build a defense for your case.
Your legal representation will work to get your charges dismissed. They can also take steps to stand up for you in court. Begin working on your charges by contacting a knowledgeable attorney today. A lawyer will advise you on your rights and explain how long a DUI stays on your record in California if you are under 21.
Get Started on the Legal Process Today
A DUI can stay on your criminal record indefinitely in California if you are under 21. It can also remain on your driving record for 10 years. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’re here to connect you with an attorney who can help you handle your DUI charges before you are convicted.
Contact us today to get in touch with a skilled lawyer and kickstart your case. Your attorney will explain how long a DUI stays on your record in California if you are under 21 and build a strong defense case on your behalf.
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