Understanding What a DUI Expungement Lawyer Can Do for You

What a DUI Expungement Lawyer Does

 

A DUI expungement lawyer in D.C. can help clean a person’s criminal record when they have had DUI arrests or certain other criminal convictions. Many believe that their misdemeanor and felony charges fall off a person’s record over time. They don’t realize that even a first offense will remain on their criminal record indefinitely unless they take steps to clear it. 

Even when a person is acquitted of DUI charges at trial, it doesn’t mean that they are innocent; they just weren’t found guilty in court. Proving innocence in DUI cases requires additional evidence. An expungement attorney can petition to have the DUI record of arrest removed or sealed when that occurs. Expungements can be acquired based on the defendant’s innocence or in the interest of justice.

In certain circumstances, obtaining a clean criminal record isn’t an option. You should discuss the details of your case with a dedicated DC DUI Lawyer like Christopher J. Mutimer from Scrofano Law to determine whether you’re eligible before beginning an expungement request of your records.

 

Multiple DUI Expungement Lawyer in D.C. 

When someone has had more than one criminal offense, they may need a multiple DUI expungement lawyer to remove criminal arrests or convictions. When possible, the defendant should involve a reputable criminal defense law firm as soon as they are arrested to improve their chances of having the charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser crime like reckless driving.

If someone has multiple DUI convictions, they will face more severe penalties, including higher fines and longer sentences. Plus, they will be unable to have their record expunged. In D.C., the following convictions are not expugnable and will indefinitely remain on a person’s record.

• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Facing a judge or district attorney can be intimidating, and offenders need to present a strong case based on up-to-date DUI laws to have their charges dismissed or reduced to avoid a DUI conviction. Having criminal records sealed takes savvy super lawyers and attorneys from a reputable law firm like Christopher J. Mutimer from Scrofano Law.  

How Can I Get a DUI Expunged?

 

It may seem a daunting task and might have a person wondering, “How can I get a DUI expunged?” Someone arrested for DUI in D.C. can have the arrest record sealed if arrested but not convicted. An attorney can argue:

• Actual Innocence
• Interest of Justice

When arguing “Actual Innocence,” the attorney will claim and provide evidence that their client did not, in fact, commit the crime. With an “Interest of Justice” claim, attorneys argue that it doesn’t serve the interest of justice to maintain the arrest record because the client’s positive deeds since their arrest outweigh their alleged conduct that resulted in an arrest. 

Depending on the charge, the person may be ineligible to have their records sealed. Your Virginia DUI lawyer will offer professional advice and advocacy.

 

How to Remove DUI From Record

After an arrest, the accused needs to know how to remove the DUI from their record to move on with their life. To have a D.C. arrest record sealed, the person must file a motion including all relevant facts with the D.C. Superior Court to seal it. 

For a petition to seal records based on actual innocence, the petitioner must include the pertinent laws that justify the request. For a petition based on the interest of justice, they must include supporting evidence, such as examples of community service or letters of recommendation.

After the motion is filed, the government may respond by opposing or conceding to the request. Then, the judge will weigh the motions and decide whether to seal the case.