A DUI conviction in Oklahoma can impact multiple facets of your life for the foreseeable future. Having proactive representation for defending against a DUI is always best. However, a DUI expungement in Oklahoma may be possible.
Qualifying for a DUI Expungement in Oklahoma
An Oklahoma DUI defense attorney can help you effectively navigate the steps to expunge a DUI from your criminal record. Your driving record differs from your criminal record. Requesting an administrative hearing within 15 days of an arrest to challenge the ruling is critical to prevent an automatic six-month license suspension. You may qualify for a DUI expungement in Oklahoma under the following circumstances:
- You receive a deferred sentence and have no pending charges or previous felony convictions. Complete expungement of a DUI from your record is possible in a year.
- Your conviction results in a misdemeanor sentencing or jail time suspension, which will require waiting five years before expunging a DUI from your record in Oklahoma. If your penalties for a DUI are less than $500, applying for expungement may occur as soon as you pay the fines and court fees.
- You receive a sentence suspension for a felony DUI conviction, requiring you to wait five years before expunging a DUI. Any prior convictions, including misdemeanors, within seven years of a felony DUI prevents you from expunging a record.
- You receive a felony DUI conviction in Oklahoma, resulting in jail time. Completing your sentence and waiting five years before applying for expungement is required.
- You receive a sentence of felony DUI and have prior felony convictions that are not serious criminal or violent offenses or do not require you to register as a sex offender. A waiting period of 10 years is necessary before applying for a record expungement.
A DUI expungement only sealing your record from the public is a partial expungement of a criminal record in Oklahoma. A complete expungement will clear your record of a DUI conviction. Striving for a clear record is optimal.
Time Frame for Expunging a DUI From Your Record
The degree of a DUI offense and conviction can impact how long it takes to expunge your record in Oklahoma. It may take up to six weeks for the courts to process your petition for expungement. Felony DUI convictions and having prior convictions may take longer.
To navigate the legal system as effectively as possible, it is always best practice to work with an Oklahoma DUI defense lawyer as soon as an arrest for DUI occurs. However, help is available in any phase of the DUI process.
Reasons for Expunging an Oklahoma DUI From Your Record
A DUI on your criminal record can impact the most significant aspects of your life. You can often address the negative consequences that accompany a DUI conviction through expungement if you have concerns about its impact on these life events:
- Finding or keeping gainful employment
- Protecting a professional license
- Securing safe housing
- The ability to travel internationally or work abroad and obtain a visa
- Visitation rights with a child
Investing in your future by expunging your record can open the window to beneficial opportunities. An Oklahoma DUI expungement attorney can help you streamline the legal process to prevent delays due to mistakes or errors. Life goes on regardless of the legal demands on your time. Having someone navigate the legal process allows you to meet your daily obligations, knowing that you have a legal advocate on your side.