How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

Most people don’t wonder about the consequences of a DUI conviction or how long does a DUI stay on your record in Texas until it’s too late. That’s when it’s time to consult with Robert L. Woods, a criminal defense attorney who has helped people leave their mistakes in the past. Find out how the Woods Law Firm can help you.

Overview of DUI/DWI Laws in Texas

In this section, find out the facts of DUI/DWI laws, including the legal limit, the consequences, and other residual effects of a DUI/DWI conviction. 

What Is the Legal Limit for a DUI

The legal limit for drivers aged 21 and older is 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to a more stringent standard of 0.04%.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction

If it’s a first DUI conviction, you have a mandatory minimum of three days to 180 days in jail, up to a $2000 fine, and a license suspension of up to a year. 

Duration of DUI Conviction

Those who have been convicted of a DUI wonder how long a DUI stays on record. Although the conviction may have been your first, a DUI conviction remains on your record permanently. 

DUIs and Background Checks

As with any other criminal convictions, DUIs will show up whenever someone, such as an employer or a landlord, does a criminal background check.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Texas

A common concern for many people after a conviction is how long does a DUI stay on your record in Texas. They fear that they will have problems getting a job or obtaining housing because of this mistake. Unfortunately, in Texas, a DUI or DWI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. This means it can appear on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and financial institutions unless it qualifies for a nondisclosure order, which seals the record from public view. However, there is a remedy to this situation.

Sealed or Expunged?

Although a DUI/DWI conviction can never be expunged, meaning to remove it entirely as if it never existed, the record for qualifying DUI/DWI convictions can be sealed. This means that information regarding this conviction cannot be disclosed to the public. 

Can You Clear a DUI/DWI From Your Record?

In this section, learn about a sealed record, how your case can qualify, and the nondisclosure order process.

Sealed Record

A DUI/DWI conviction is an eligible offense, under specific criteria, to have the record of that conviction sealed. This means that the conviction cannot be disclosed to anyone who needs to conduct a background check.

Non-Disclosure Qualifications

The DUI/DWI conviction record you hope to have sealed must follow eligibility requirements before a petition can be considered. Those requirements include:

  • Must be a first DUI/DWI offense
  • The blood alcohol content (BAC) was lower than 0.15
  • Sentencing obligations were fulfilled, such as time in jail, fines, and license suspension.
  • All court fees and costs have been paid.
  • There are no other convictions or crimes awaiting trial since the DUI/DWI conviction.
  • A two to five-year waiting period has passed.

An attorney can review your DUI/DWI case to make sure all of the criteria are met and start navigating your petition through the proper channels. 

What Is the Process For Clearing a DUI Conviction

The time it takes can vary based on the specific circumstances of your case or the justice system’s workload but typically can take four to nine months. The process consists of:

  • Gathering relevant court documents pertaining to the conviction, including the original charge, plea, and documents related to the final outcome.
  • Supplying your personal and identifying information
  • Filing a petition
  • Attending a petition hearing

An attorney will be able to efficiently guide your eligible case through this process for a successful resolution.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With The Woods Law Firm Today

If you’ve learned that your case may be eligible for a nondisclosure order, don’t waste more time. Contact the Woods Law Firm for a free case evaluation to learn more about minimizing the impact a DUI/DWI conviction can have on your life after serving your sentence.