Georgia DUI Records
A person convicted of driving under the influence will have a Georgia DUI record that might follow them around for an entire lifetime. These records include information regarding initial DUI arrest, conviction, sentence, and other related information. DUI records may come from both department of motor vehicles and criminal reports indicating that a driver has been convicted of drunk driving.
Consequences of a DUI Record
DUI records may be stored in criminal and DMV databases, and can have lasting consequences for the convicted person. While a DUI conviction may eventually drop from the search period of insurance companies, it can stay on an offender’s criminal record forever. This puts the person in a tight spot, since third parties may access these records.
In many cases, prospective employers will run a background check before extending a job offer. If your criminal record is accessed and the potential employer notices a DUI conviction, you might not be hired, even if everything else about you was perfect. Your current employer can also access these records and may terminate you once learning of your DUI.
Schools, professional licensing boards, and government agencies can also access your Georgia DUI records. With a DUI on your record, you could easily miss out on valuable opportunities that would otherwise be yours for the taking.
Auto insurance companies normally only search back 3 to 5 years when reviewing your insurability. During the time when your DUI remains “active” in their eyes, you can expect higher auto insurance costs and hefty premiums for specialized “DUI insurance.” Some companies will not even offer coverage to DUI offenders, labeling them high-risk drivers who do not fit their portfolio. Your auto insurance might not only be the only coverage that is affected—many life insurance and health insurers may also raise your rates.
Erasing Your DUI Records
Expungement is the legal process of erasing a DUI from your record. However, not everyone is eligible for expungement. In some cases you will need to file an appeal in order to have your conviction overturned. Please note that you have a short window of time during which an appeal for a conviction can be filed.
Georgia DUI records are apt to leave a lasting blot on your life, extending long after your actual sentence has been completed. You should speak with a skilled DUI defense attorney today to learn how you can avoid a DUI conviction and record and the negative consequences that come with it.
