How to Clear Your DUI Record and Avoid Repeat Offenses

Having a DUI record does not mean the end of the world for you. Whatever your reasons for wanting to clear your record - employment, career advancement, custody of children, volunteer work, educational opportunities, or just plain peace of mind - it only takes a few steps to achieve this. You should also do this for your own protection and against future accusations and discrimination.

 

Clearing your record

Different provinces and states have their own specific requirements in having one's DUI record cleared. But in general, there are three options in getting your name cleared. First, you can apply for a new trial with a new jury. Second, in the event of refusal for a new trial or losing the second trial, you can appeal your conviction. Grounds for an appeal include error of law or the jury disregarding some important facts. If successful, your DUI conviction will be reversed and your record cleared. Third, depending on your case and your province's laws, you can apply to have your record expunged or apply for a pardon. Exoneration or having your record expunged is often for non-conviction records. If you are not eligible for exoneration, you can apply for pardon. While a pardon will not erase your record, it will be sealed and kept separate from active criminal files. Both cases require a waiting period of at least a couple of years after conviction.

 

Avoiding repeat offenses

The most effective way to avoid repeat offenses is to separate driving from any activity where you may imbibe alcohol. Having gone through a DUI incident, arrest, and conviction should be enough deterrent for most people. However, if you are one of those people who struggle with self-control, you can have an interlock device installed in your car. An interlock device is a breath-testing device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects that the driver's blood alcohol level has exceeded a certain limit. Studies have shown that it has reduced drunk driving by 65%.