A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences, impacting your personal and professional life for years to come. You need a skilled and experienced DUI defense attorney minimizing the impact of a DUI charge whenever possible. If you are convicted, you might be wondering how long that conviction will remain on your record.
In Colorado, a DUI conviction permanently impacts your criminal record, remaining visible to law enforcement, employers, and other entities conducting background checks indefinitely. However, a distinction exists between its effects on your criminal record and driving record.
On your driving record, a DUI offense remains for 10 years and adds 12 points to your license. These points will be removed after 10 years, but the DUI record itself may still be accessible to insurance companies and the DMV, potentially resulting in higher insurance premiums or difficulty in securing specific coverage.
Additionally, Colorado generally does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged, meaning the conviction cannot be removed from your record. Without a “look-back” period, any prior DUI can influence the penalties of future offenses, regardless of how much time has passed.
In Colorado, a DUI conviction will typically remain on your criminal record indefinitely. This means that it will be accessible to law enforcement agencies, employers, and other entities conducting background checks – potentially for the rest of your life.
Note that while a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, certain qualifying offenses may be eligible for record sealing after a specified period of time. A skilled DUI defense attorney can provide guidance on your specific situation and the potential options available to you.
A criminal record is a legal document that details an individual’s criminal history, including any arrests, charges, and convictions. Having a DUI on your criminal record can have various implications, affecting many aspects of your life.
One of the most significant impacts of having a DUI on your criminal record is the potential for increased difficulties in obtaining employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction can be seen as a red flag, especially for positions that involve driving or handling sensitive information. Additionally, having a DUI on your record can limit access to certain professional licenses or certifications.
In addition to a criminal record, a DUI conviction will also appear on your driving record, which is maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your driving record reflects your driving history, including any traffic violations, accidents, and DUI offenses.
Being convicted of a DUI offense in Colorado can lead to a range of penalties and consequences. The severity of these penalties will depend on various factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, any prior DUI convictions, and whether there were any aggravating circumstances involved.
Some of the potential penalties and consequences for a DUI conviction in Colorado include:
One of the significant consequences of a DUI conviction is the impact it can have on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies often view DUI convictions as a significant risk factor, resulting in higher rates or even policy cancellations.
After a DUI conviction, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 form, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This form is provided by your insurance company and serves as proof that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. Having an SR-22 requirement can result in significantly higher insurance premiums for several years.
Having a DUI conviction on your record can have significant implications for your employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a DUI conviction can raise red flags for certain positions, including those that involve driving or are tied to professional licenses.
Even if your DUI conviction does not lead to immediate job loss, it can still affect promotion opportunities and professional growth. Employers may view a DUI conviction as an indicator of poor judgment or lack of responsibility, which can impact future advancement within an organization.
If you have a prior DUI conviction on your record, the consequences for a subsequent DUI offense can be significantly more severe. Colorado has progressive penalties for multiple DUI offenses within a certain timeframe.
A second DUI offense within a 5-year period can result in increased fines, longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and other enhanced penalties. A third DUI offense within a 7-year period can lead to even more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences and the potential for felony charges.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Colorado, there are potential strategies to minimize the impact on your criminal record. Consult with a DUI defense attorney who can guide you through the options available in your specific case.
Some potential strategies to keep a DUI off your criminal record include:
Every DUI case is unique, and the strategies available to keep a DUI off your criminal record will depend on the specific details of your case.
If you are facing a DUI charge, seek the guidance and experience of a skilled DUI defense lawyer in Greeley, CO. McAdams Law Office handles Colorado DUI defense and has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in DUI cases. Contact us today.
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.