Getting arrested for drunk driving is more than just embarrassing, it can cause significant professional and personal difficulties. Once you have served your time, paid your fines, and completed everything the court asked of you, you can move on … right?
Unfortunately, this is not always true. The completion of the sentence does not erase history.
Thankfully, there is a legal process that can help.
What legal process can “erase” my criminal history?
An expungement is a legal process that can essentially remove an arrest and conviction from one’s criminal record — and it can generally work for a DUI.
How does expungement work?
The details vary depending on the state, conviction, and applicant’s history. In Oklahoma, the process begins by filing a Petition for Expungement or Order of Dismissal and/or Expungement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). It is important to note that a full expungement generally requires more than just one process. You will likely need to expunge both the court and arrest records to clear your history.
The court may not approve to expunge certain records, such as those connected to violent crimes.
Is there anything else I should know?
This is a complex legal process that requires completion of specific paperwork. A failure to meet all the legal requirements and properly fill out the paperwork can mean the agency denies the request. The good news is that you do not have to go through the process alone. You have the right to hire legal counsel to help guide you through the process and better ensure a more favorable outcome.