DUI Expungements

Van Nuys DUI Attorney

Under California law, it is sometimes possible to have your criminal record expunged. An expungement is not a complete clearing of your criminal record. Instead, it "releases" you from the penalties of a conviction. This means that if you plead no contest or guilty, your plea will be withdrawn. If you were found guilty by a jury, the verdict will be set aside. Having a record expunged is particularly helpful in the job market. Most employers ask you to state whether or not you have ever been convicted of a crime. With an expunged record, you are able to legally answer "no." Having a clean record will open up many doors and erase many of the social consequences of a conviction. A Van Nuys DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin may be able to assist you with your record expungement.

DUI Expungement Qualifications

In order to have your record expunged, you must meet certain criteria. You cannot currently be charged with another offense, nor can you be on probation or serving a sentence for another offense. You must have successfully completed all of the terms of your probation, and in many court you cannot have violated your probation. There may be other eligibility criteria; you should discuss your case with a well-versed DUI attorney in Van Nuys.

Additionally, because your record is not "cleared," there are some circumstances in which your DUI will still be available information. It must be disclosed if you run for office or apply for a professional license, for example. Also, the DUI will be counted as a prior if you are charged with a DUI again in the next ten years.

Contact a Van Nuys DUI Attorney at our firm if you are looking to have your DUI offense expunged. We also represent clients in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Encino.