Reader’s Question:

I have heard many times that a DUI record can be cleared. I have a DUI conviction here in Hayward, California and seems like I would have to carry that all my life. But I was brought back to life when I found out that it can be erased. How can I do that and who are eligible for this?

Ethan

Hayward, CA

You can clear your DUI record in Hayward, California by means of expungement. Expungement, sometimes referred to as DUI expunction, is the process of sealing, removing or clearing a DUI related offense from your records after conviction. This is considered as the only form of post conviction relief offered for DUI convictions. Depending on the expungement order, that could mean record clearing in the criminal court records as well as removal from police arrest records and any other agencies that have copies of the record.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement even if the state of California allows it. Expungement, in most case, is reserved for first offenders with legitimate reasons to expunge their records who also file the necessary paperwork and pay the associated fees. Therefore, it is not considered as a right, rather a privilege granted by the government. In general the people who are eligible for expungement are those who have never served time in state prison. They should also be first-time offenders, have no pending criminal cases and felony convictions.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI advice, DUI lawyer