Common Misconceptions of a DUI Conviction

The consequences of a DUI conviction are often misunderstood. The court penalties vary from state to state but generally include one or more of: driver’s license suspension, fines, enrollment in an educational course, and community service. Beyond these initial penalties, however, a DUI also goes on your publicly accessible records. If you have recently been charged with a DUI, you may want to talk to a DUI defense lawyer about your defense options to avoid a recorded conviction.

Record of Your DUI

There are many misconceptions surrounding where your DUI is recorded and how long it stays on record. Here is some basic information about DUI charges and your record to help you sort fact from fiction:

• A DUI appears on your driving record with the DMV.
• A DUI is a crime and therefore appears on your criminal record.
• Criminal and driving records are public and can be accessed by others, including potential employers and schools.
• A DUI charge does not disappear after a certain number of years. It stays on your criminal and driving records indefinitely, unless you have it expunged.
• Insurance companies will likely raise your insurance rates or drop your coverage if you have a DUI on your driving record.

Consulting with a Lawyer 

A DUI charge can negatively affect you long after you have been convicted and completed your court sentence. If you have been arrested for a DUI, you should know that it is not guaranteed that you will be convicted. A DUI defense lawyer can defend you against DUI charges in a court of law by looking for weaknesses in the evidence against you and aggressively fighting against overzealous prosecution.

For More Information

For more information on DUI charges and preparing your defense, please visit the website of experienced Rhode Island DUI defense attorney James Powderly here.