DUI EXPUNGEMENT

Fierce & Effective Representation

DUI EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN BIRMINGHAM

Wiping Your DUI Record Clean

A DUI arrest not only effects your criminal record, but also your relationships, your employment, and your housing situation. Even if you were not convicted, it can be challenging to recover the life you had before your DUI charges. You may also have to deal with a variety of penalties, including jail time, fines, license suspensions and community service.

Want to wipe your record clean of your charges? We’re ready to help. Contact Tidwell Law Group, LLC today to start the process of turning your life around!

Our Birmingham criminal attorney understands how frustrating it can be trying to get your life back on track after a DUI. This is why we are committed to helping clients get these charges completely expunged. With over 17 years of criminal law experience, we know how to guide clients through this complex process and are ready to help you seek a brighter future.

What is expungement?

Expungement is the process in which the court erases criminal charges, including DUI arrests, from your record. Whether you are seeking a new job or applying for college, it is crucial that you do everything you can to improve your record. Even a background check will not be able to pull up your past DUI arrest if your attorney secures a successful expungement on your behalf.

Can my DUI arrest be expunged?

Though it would be ideal for everyone arrested for DUI to have their record expunged, not everyone is eligible. Alabama has strict laws on expungement, making it very difficult to successfully clear your record. Factors that may affect your ability to obtain an expungement include your criminal record and any injuries or deaths associated with the DUI.

You can qualify for expungement if your case meets the following conditions:

You were found not guilty
If a felony, the charge was for a non-violent offense
You completed a court-mandated diversion program at least one year ago
Your charges were dismissed
A no-bill was reached by a grand jury

The courts will greatly restrict an expungement for any individual with a previous DUI or felony conviction in the state of Alabama. Simply stated, first time offenders are much more likely to have their DUI arrest expunged than those who have previous convictions. Other issues the court will review include the type of DUI arrest. A person with a misdemeanor DUI has a much greater chance to clear their record than a person who faced felony charges.

What if I was dismissed without prejudice?

If your charges were dismissed without prejudice, you will have to wait two years for after your misdemeanor case—or five years, for felony charges—to determine if you are eligible for an expungement. If you have been convicted of any other felony or misdemeanor in the meantime, you may not be able to expunge your record.

Steps to Getting Your Record Expunged

If eligible for expungement, you have to file a petition for expungement. In this petition, you must give a sworn statement that you have satisfied all of the requirements and document whether or not you have applied for an expungement in the past. You must also include a certified record of arrest, a disposition, and a certified official criminal record, and present grounds for the court to consider the motion. After filing the petition, the district attorney’s office will have 45 days to provide an objection. If there is no objection and you are granted expungement, your records will, essentially, be erased and no one will be able to find them without permission or special authority.

Discuss your options with a seasoned DUI lawyer!

No matter what type of DUI arrest you are trying to remove from your record, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney about your case. Tidwell Law Group, LLC is here to guide you through this difficult and complex process. With over 17 years of experience in DUI defense in Birmingham, our lawyer is prepared to explain your options for expungement and help you pursue a favorable outcome.