From the moment you are born, your “record” starts. As you grow up and go out into the world, that record grows and reflects everything from your grades to your employment history to your credit scores. All those items will appear on a background check by any potential employer, landlord, or loan officer. One item you don’t want on your record is a DUI conviction.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Florida?
75 years!
That is not a typo. A DUI conviction will stay on your record for 75 years in Florida. That reflects how seriously the state takes the issue of intoxicated driving. You might be able to explain the circumstances around the conviction as a one-time mistake, but what if you don’t get that opportunity?
The better course of action is to avoid the conviction altogether. If you’ve been arrested on a DUI charge, you want to speak with Titan Law about your options. Working with an experienced DUI attorney might be the only way to avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.
Charges Versus Convictions
A DUI incident begins with a police officer who pulls you over because they suspect you might be driving under the influence. They will conduct an interview and ask you to perform a field sobriety test.
If you fail that test, you will be given a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol level. If the result is .08% or higher, you could be placed under arrest and charged with a DUI. Your license will be automatically suspended.
You have ten days to request a hearing from the DMV to get your license reinstated. This is separate from your criminal hearing for the charge, but you would benefit from having experienced legal counsel with you at the DMV to ensure that your story is presented in the best light.
At this point, your arrest and charge will be a matter of public record. That means anyone can look it up.
Your first interaction with the court would be your arraignment, where you enter a plea. Your DUI attorney will advise you about the best option for entering a plea and how it might impact the outcome of your trial.
The Impact of a DUI Conviction
If your charges are dropped or dismissed, the record of the arrest will only be on your background check for seven years. While there might be some instances where a criminal charge could be removed, that’s not the case for a DUI. Florida Statutes Section 316.193 details the penalties for a DUI conviction.
This also applies to boating while under the influence (BUI) charges.
The immediate impact of a DUI conviction will be the punishment handed down by the judge. First-time offenders are granted more leniency provided they did not get into an accident that involved injuries.
You could face a license suspension from 6 months to 10 years. The severity of the incident will determine the suspension time and whether it is a first-time offense. This suspension will supersede any waiver granted by the DMV. You may apply for a hardship license if you demonstrate that you need to drive to work.
This is another scenario where you want support from the proper legal counsel.
Aggressive Legal Representation
A DUI arrest and charge will have you facing questions about your future. There is no guarantee that your charges will be dismissed or that you will not be found guilty.
However, you will increase your chances of a favorable outcome when you get aggressive legal representation. The DUI attorneys at Titan Law have been highly successful in helping clients avoid convictions and keep their records clean.
We have experience presenting challenges to the evidence collection, police procedures, and your rights. If any of those aspects of your DUI charge come into question, it increases the chances of a positive outcome.
The support we offer begins with the first consultation. Let’s talk about your options.
