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The length of time that a DUI will remain on a CO criminal record depends on the outcome of the case, a Boulder DUI attorney reveals. Here’s why.
The period of time that a DUI case will remain on someone’s criminal record in Colorado will vary according to whether the person was convicted of the drunk driving offense.
That’s because, in Colorado, if someone is convicted of a DUI (or agrees to accept a DUI plea deal), that conviction or guilty plea will typically remain on his or her criminal record indefinitely – or, in other words, forever.
While that may seem scary, here’s what else you should understand about DUIs and criminal records in Colorado…
Criminal Records of Colorado DUIs: What Drivers Should Know
- When DUIs can appear on a criminal record – It’s important for motorists in Colorado to understand that they can have a criminal record of a DUI even if they are never charged with or convicted of the drunk driving offense. So, if you are arrested for a DUI (or you are charged with a DUI but are later acquitted), the case will still appear on your criminal record.
- The look back period for Colorado DUIs – The “look back” period, also referred to as the “washout period,” refers to the time frame during which past criminal convictions (or cases) on a person’s record can impact subsequent cases. Currently, there is not a set look back period for DUIs in Colorado, meaning that any prior DUI a person incurred in Colorado can be observed on his or her criminal record and may be used to inform the possible charges/penalties for a future DUI case.
That being stated, however, in general, a period of 5 to 7 years is observed as a look back period in Colorado for the purposes of determining the potential penalties that can be imposed for a subsequent DUI case (in the event of a conviction).
- When DUIs can be removed from criminal records – In some situations, people can remove DUI cases from their criminal records. Known as expungement, this process is usually only an option when all of the following factors apply to a given situation/individual:
- The individual was never convicted of a DUI (because the charges were dropped/dismissed or the person was acquitted).
- The DUI case occurred a while back (at least 10 years ago).
- The individual has not incurred any new criminal charges since the past DUI case.
- Options for preventing a DUI conviction from impacting a criminal record – Perhaps the most important thing for people accused of DUI charges in Colorado to realize is that retaining an experienced defense attorney ASAP can be integral to minimizing the chance of a conviction – and to keeping their criminal record as clean as possible.
Contact an Adams County & Boulder DUI Attorney at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? If so, an Adams County & Boulder DUI attorney at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates is ready to immediately start defending you.
At Peter Loyd Weber & Associates, our primary concern is protecting your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process while helping you obtain the best possible outcome to your case.
To talk about your defense and how we can help you, call us today at (720) 863-7755 or email us using the contact form on this page. We offer complimentary consultations, and we take pride in always being available to our clients – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week – so that they have the personal attention their case deserves.
