How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record in California? - Answer by Hripsime Bagdasaryan

How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record in California? - Answer by Hripsime Bagdasaryan

Quick Answer

A DUI conviction remains on your DMV record for 10 years, can affect future charges for repeat offenses within that period, and will stay permanently on your criminal record unless expunged after completing probation.

💡 Every situation is different. Speak with a lawyer to understand your specific options.

Key risks

Potential Risk

Potential increased penalties for subsequent DUIs within 10 years.

Potential Risk

Difficulty in securing employment due to lasting criminal record.

Potential Risk

Expungement does not erase the DUI; it only changes how it's perceived in background checks.

Potential Risk

Insurance companies can see DUI records during the 10-year period.

Full Transcript

Below is an AI-generated transcript of the video answer.

So, do you think your DUI just disappears after a few years? It does not. There's

three different timelines that we're looking at when we talk about DUIs. The

first is the DMV timeline. On the DMV timeline, your DUI remains for 10 years.

After 10 years, it automatically drops off of your DMV record without any

paperwork to be filed on your end and insurance companies and the DMV no

longer see it. So, that's pretty self-explanatory. The second timeline is

the priorability timeline. What that means is if you get arrested within 10

years for the same thing, meaning for a DUI again, the prosecutors can look back

and charge you as a repeat offender with way harsher penalties. So, a second time

DUI carries some jail time. A third time DUI carries more jail time. So, it

depends on, you know, how many you get within that 10-year period. It is

priorable for 10 years. And the one that people don't really expect here is your

criminal record, meaning your Department of Justice rap sheet, holds on to that DUI

conviction forever. It will never go away. You can petition to have your DUI

expunged after you have successfully completed your probation so that it

doesn't, you know, really show up on, you know, employer background checks or

landlord background checks, but it's just going to show up as dismissed. It's

not going to show up as gone or it's not just going to disappear. So, the main key

thing here to remember is there's three different records you're looking at with

the DUI. There's three different timelines and if you're dealing with, you

know, your DUI, it's important to know which record you're actually really

asking about. So, if you have any questions, leave me a comment or DM me

and I'll get back to you.