A drunk driving conviction can affect someone long after their sentence is handed down. One of the questions that some people have is how long the conviction may appear on their record. If you’re in this position, it’s important for you to know exactly how Wisconsin handles drunk driving cases.
The simplest answer is that a drunk driving conviction will remain on your record forever in Wisconsin. This means that it will appear on court records, driving records, insurance history and background checks. It can continue to impact various aspects of a person’s life, including their employment opportunities and professional licensing. It may also have an impact on future drunk driving charges, if there are any.
Understanding the records where the conviction may show up
Drunk driving convictions show up on driving records and criminal records. A criminal record is what appears in background checks. In some cases, there may also be a civil record of a drunk driving case.
Some people wonder if a drunk driving conviction can be expunged in Wisconsin. Expungements in this state are very specific and won’t apply in all cases. Even if you hope to clear or limit access to a drunk driving conviction, the conviction can continue to affect the points on your driver’s license and insurance underwriting.
A drunk driving conviction can also affect your ability to maintain your current career if it requires professional licensing, a commercial driver’s license or a clean driving record. Employers may also have specific protocols related to criminal convictions of all sorts, including drunk driving.
Understanding exactly how a drunk driving conviction will affect you is important, especially when it comes to how long it will remain on your record and how that will impact you. Working with a legal professional who understands how to handle drunk driving defenses may be beneficial if you’re concerned about how a potential conviction will affect your future.