DUI Expungement Lawyers in Colorado Springs

Helping You Clear Your Criminal Record

Having a DUI on your record can unfortunately impact your life in many ways. Colorado law is strict about DUI charges, and having any kind of criminal record can be detrimental to your job prospects and your reputation. Because of this, many individuals wonder how they can clear their names and expunge their criminal records to start fresh. Consulting with a DUI expungement lawyer is the best way to learn more about expungement and see if it’s an option for you.

If you would like your DUI records expunged, contact our team at Joyner Law today. Our experienced attorneys would be happy to review your situation and determine whether your records can be sealed or expunged. We pride ourselves on doing what’s best for our clients and keeping them informed about their legal rights. For a free consultation and to learn more about our services, call today at 719-294-0566.

What is Expungement?

Expungement is the process of erasing the criminal charges on your record, making it look like they were never there. After the expungement process, the DUI charges will not appear on your traffic offenses or criminal record. Although there are some instances in which an expungement does not hide records, like when applying for government jobs or during a criminal trial, most members of the public will no longer be able to look up your criminal record and see the charges against you.

Record sealing is similar to expungement, although it is a slightly different process with a different outcome. After record sealing, your criminal record will still exist but will no longer be accessible to the public. Members of law enforcement, judges, and other governmental agencies can still access your records if necessary. Sealing your records can be a good option if you are not eligible for expungement.

What Are the Benefits of Expungement?

Many individuals look into expungement so they can pass background checks and avoid judgment from those around them. The main benefit of expungement is that your criminal charges will no longer show up on a background check. This can help you secure housing, as many landlords and property managers are hesitant to rent or lease to those with a criminal history.

Similarly, expunged records will not appear on a background check ordered by hiring managers for a job. Because some jobs will reject applicants based on their criminal record, this can help individuals secure a livelihood that may not have been possible previously. It is important to note, however, that some jobs require you to disclose any criminal records, even if they have been expunged. Most often, this includes government jobs, law enforcement jobs, healthcare jobs, or jobs working with children.

Getting your records expunged can also help you apply to colleges. Some colleges and universities hesitate to accept applications with a DUI arrest on their records. By expunging those records, you have a much higher chance of getting accepted and getting financial benefits from the college of your choice.

Is it Possible to Expunge DUI Records?

Although expungement is a highly desirable option, not many people with a criminal record qualify for it under Colorado law. If you were a juvenile when you were charged or convicted of a DUI, and you are now at least 21 years old, you may be eligible for expungement. You must have completed the terms of your original sentence and have no further underage drunk driving arrest records. Additionally, you must not have ever held a commercial driver’s license or been driving a commercial vehicle at the time of your arrest. If you would like to get your juvenile records expunged, contact a Colorado Springs expungement lawyer on our team today.

Unfortunately, if you were arrested or convicted of a DUI as an adult, there is no way to expunge your records in Colorado. If you entered a guilty plea or were found guilty, that will show on your records. However, if the case was dismissed, that fact will also be on your criminal record. The only time a judge in Colorado may expunge an adult DUI arrest or conviction is in the case of mistaken identity.

Is it Possible to Seal DUI Records?

While expungement may not be an option, if you were arrested for a DUI but never convicted, you may be able to seal your records instead. Record sealing has different requirements than expungement that may apply to your situation. If you were arrested after January 2022 but not charged within one year of your arrest, the court must automatically seal your arrest record. Similarly, if you faced DUI charges but were never convicted, you can ask the court to seal your records with the help of a criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, you cannot petition the court to seal your records if you have a DUI conviction in your criminal history.

How Can You Avoid a Criminal Record?

Because the DUI laws in Colorado are so strict, the absolute best way to avoid a criminal record is to hire a DUI attorney to represent you after an arrest. The criminal justice system is difficult to navigate on your own, and a DUI case can be especially challenging. By hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you have a much higher chance of being found not guilty or even getting your case completely dismissed.

As your legal representatives, our team will work hard to defend your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve. We will gather evidence on your behalf, examine evidence against you, and negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea deal. If a plea deal is impossible, we will then craft a solid defense strategy and represent you at trial before a judge. We understand just how much a DUI conviction can disrupt a person’s life, and we will do everything in our power to avoid that and keep a DUI offense off your criminal record.

Can a DUI Attorney Help Me?

Being convicted of a DUI can impact your life in many ways. The immediate penalties, like jail time and fines, are challenging enough. But a criminal record’s effect on the rest of your life is also severe. Those with criminal records may have trouble getting a job, securing housing, applying to college, or even applying for some government benefits. The best way you can protect yourself is by hiring a team of attorneys to represent you in court.

Whether you are facing criminal charges and need representation, or you have a criminal record and would like to seal or expunge it, Joyner Law can help. Our law firm has years of experience assisting clients with DUI cases and criminal record expungement. We know just how important it is to keep your criminal history clean, and we are confident that we can assist you no matter what your situation is. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at 719-294-0566.