Alabama DUI Expungement

The state of Alabama takes drunk driving very seriously. As a result, driving under the influence of alcohol is classified as a misdemeanor or felony crime—which means anyone who checks your criminal record will see you were found guilty of the offense. As it becomes more and more common for employers, housing providers, and even universities to screen their applicants, it’s easy to see how a spotty criminal background can jeopardize a person’s future. However, if you qualify for Alabama DUI expungement, you may be able to completely erase your prior DUI conviction.

So what exactly does expungement mean? Essentially, it removes a person’s conviction from public records. In other words, once a charge is expunged, it won’t show up on your criminal record—in certain situations, your arrest record may even be removed as well. Therefore, you can truthfully say that you have never been convicted of a criminal offense.

You may be wondering what happens to all the files and records related to your case. Most often, they are sealed and tucked away where they can no longer be accessed by the public, but the records could also be destroyed. Regardless, most expunged DUI records remain hidden permanently. An exception to this rule can occur, however, if you are convicted of DUI in the future. When this happens, the expunged case can be used against you—which means you will be treated as a repeat DUI offender, and subject to more severe penalties than a first-time offender. 

To qualify for expungement, you must have successfully completed any probation or other sentencing requirements associated with your conviction. In addition, you should not have any outstanding alcohol-related charges against you, and you cannot currently be on probation for DUI. Also, because Alabama law limits expungement to misdemeanor offenses, you will not qualify for expungement if you were convicted of felony DUI.

Of course, getting your DUI conviction expunged is not easy. You must file the appropriate paperwork and submit a formal request to the court that convicted you in order for your conviction to be removed from public records. Since even the smallest error can lead to a denial, most individuals must have professional help in order for their expungement request to be approved.

To find out whether your case qualifies for Alabama DUI expungement, contact the Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office. As an exclusive DUI defense firm, our attorneys know everything there is to know about Alabama’s DUI laws. Since 2004, we have helped countless individuals erase all traces of their DUI conviction through the expungement process. 

For a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case, submit your information online today.