| The moment you saw those flashing lights in your rear | | | | specialized DUI lawyers have created an entire |
| view, you probably started kicking yourself for having | | | | industry around helping people clean their records. The |
| that last drink. But even after you've made amends, | | | | most important thing is making sure your chosen |
| DUI charge is a glaring inconvenience on your | | | | attorney is certified as an operator of breath tests, |
| permanent record. | | | | certified as a trainer for sobriety testing. Having these |
| The fine, which varies slightly between jurisdictions, can | | | | credentials will insure that your DUI attorney will be able |
| add up to $1,600 after including mandatory fees and | | | | to see any mistakes made by police, which could help |
| assessments. A DUI charge will also get you a | | | | you walk away from your charges, no matter how |
| suspended license for several months at least, and | | | | long they have been on your record. |
| years of probation. | | | | Some state DUI laws have restrictions on expunging |
| Many states also require DUI school or DUI classes | | | | records. In California, for example, if you're serving a |
| that will re-teach the dangers of drinking and driving. | | | | sentence or on probation, you cannot proceed with |
| And depending on the court, additional requirements | | | | expunging a DUI record. But in other states, it's much |
| may include AA meetings, community service, | | | | easier. |
| attendance at "victim's panels." On top of the fines and | | | | In any case, all a lawyer does is file a motion in court |
| possible jail time, DUI record can keep you from getting | | | | and you and your attorney will need to prove to the |
| a good job, send your insurance premiums | | | | judge that it is in the state's best interest to take the |
| skyrocketing and make you target for police when the | | | | DUI record off your permanent record. If the judge |
| bars close. | | | | accepts your and your attorney's logic then, depending |
| While punishment is obviously a part of getting caught, | | | | on the state, you could be subject to diversionary |
| but DUI law still allows you to clear your record and | | | | classes or driving classes. The expunging process will |
| make your past a little more palatable for employers | | | | likely incur more fines and attorney fees, but over time, |
| and insurers. In most states, specialized DUI lawyers | | | | it means you won't be charged extra on insurance or |
| can help expunge your records or even withdraw a | | | | ever fail a background check. |
| plea and clear it completely. | | | | For more information on clearing your DUI record, visit |
| The first thing to do is start researching local attorneys | | | | the aptly named guide Clear My DUI Record for more |
| to find one that specializes in DWI or DUI cases. These | | | | information. |