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A DUI stays on one’s record permanently in Texas unless they are able to get it sealed or expunged. If a person has a DUI on their record, anyone who has run a criminal background check will be able to see it; these include:
Landlords
Employers
Potential business partners
Homeowners associations
Thankfully, a DUI defense lawyer at Sparks Law Firm can help those with a DUI record to explore their available options and get it removed from their record.
What Happens After a DUI Conviction in Texas?
As soon as a person’s DUI (driving under the influence) conviction establishes into a court record, it will go on a person’s criminal record. Therefore, from that point onwards, anyone who checks this individual’s background will be able to see their DUI conviction.
Individuals With DUIs on Their Record Face Difficulties
A person who has a DUI on their criminal record may be subject to discrimination, which will make certain aspects of their life extremely difficult.
To give an example, if a person lost their job as a result of a DUI conviction, they would need to seek new employment. However, if a potential job requires this individual to be able to pass a background check, then their employment may be denied as a result of their DUI, especially if the job they are after involves driving.
There are also many other ways in which a DUI on one’s record can bring new obstacles into their life; this includes obstacles like:
A person may lose their commercial driver’s license due to a DUI conviction. This can prevent them from continuing their career as a commercial driver.
As more people become aware of an individual’s criminal history, their social status may diminish.
A person's license may become suspended following their DUI charge.
Convicted individuals may also be denied loan offers on homes, cars, and other large purchases if a DUI is viewed during their background check.
Anyone who has been convicted of a DUI previously can hire an experienced attorney from Sparks Law Firm who can help them carry out a background check to see what shows up. If a DUI conviction does appear on one’s criminal record, then the lawyers at Sparks Law Firm can also help these individuals explore the options they have in terms of having their conviction removed. A lawyer will be able to determine whether their client's DUI can be sealed or expunged.
Getting a DUI Conviction Sealed in Texas
Thanks to a law signed in 2017, residents of Texas are allowed to petition the court for the non-disclosure of certain criminal convictions. One of these eligible offenses is driving while under the influence.
The Meaning of Non-disclosure
Non-disclosure, for an individual, means that they can get their conviction sealed. This effectively puts it out of view for anyone who may check one’s background, such as employers or landlords.
Eligibility Requirements for Non-Disclosure
Under the new law, in order for an individual to be eligible for non-disclosure, they must meet the following requirements:
It was a first-time offense.
They did not have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher.
This individual has served their full sentence and has paid all of their court-imposed fees and costs.
They have not been convicted for any other crimes committed since their DUI.
They have completed the two-year waiting period.
A Sparks Law Firm attorney will review whether or not their clients meet the eligibility criteria for ordering a non-disclosure on their DUI convictions. Should their client meet this criterion, these DWI lawyers in Tarrant County TX will take the appropriate legal steps.
Getting a DUI Expunged in Texas for Those Who Have Not Been Convicted
While a non-disclosure shields a person’s criminal record from public view, an expungement wipes one’s DUI out of existence.
However, in order for an individual’s DUI to be eligible for expungement, they must never have been convicted. Those that have successfully been able to plead down to a lesser charge, for example, reckless driving, may be eligible to have their DUI expunged. This may help in getting a driver's license back as well.
As for those that have other charges on their record, different principles will apply. An attorney from Sparks Law Firm can offer a person further detail regarding the specifics of their case.
Contact a Lawyer from Sparks Law Firm Today!
Sparks Law Firm and its team of legal professionals fight for the rights of all those accused, even if they have been convicted of a DUI. These lawyers believe that a lapse in good judgment shouldn’t hold a person back or prevent them from accomplishing their goals in the future.
They can help anyone get their DUI sealed or expunged. Those who are wanting a free consultation can call Sparks Law Firm today at (817) 381-7846.