What are the consequences of a DWI on my record?

If you are convicted of drunk driving, or driving while intoxicated (DWI), it will appear on your record. Depending on the state and your record, it could affect future employment opportunities, your ability to travel in certain areas, or even your ability to obtain a loan for a home or car. The following are some examples of consequences of a DWI on your record:

Criminal Records and Your Employer

In most cases, if you are convicted of DWI you will be required to report the conviction to your prospective employer. If you are applying for a job that requires a government security clearance, this information will be shared with the government. Since many companies perform background checks on potential employees, a DWI conviction could lead to your application being rejected.If you want to work in a position that requires a state security clearance, you will generally need to disclose your DWI conviction.

Loss of Licenses and Permits

Some states require you to lose your license and/or permit if you are convicted of DWI. If you live in one of these jurisdictions, you will be required to take the appropriate steps to get your license or permit reinstated after you’ve served your sentence.The length of time it takes to get your license or permit reinstated will depend on the circumstances of your conviction.

Public Records and Background Checks

Many private and public entities that conduct background checks will find out about your DWI conviction. If you are applying for a job that requires a background check or are looking to rent a home, you will have to explain the conviction on your record.Depending on the circumstances of your conviction, you may need to disclose it on a job application or a rental application. If so, you may want to speak with a criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate those processes.

Traveling While Intoxicated

Some states require you to report your DWI conviction to the state’s department of transportation if you are convicted within that state. Other states require you to report your conviction to the federal government.If you will be traveling in another state, it is a good idea to check with the state’s department of transportation to find out what your reporting requirements will be. You will generally have to report the conviction to the state’s department of transportation within a certain amount of time after you are convicted.Depending on the circumstances of your conviction, you may be required to report the conviction to the federal government.

Criminal Records and Immigration

If you are a non-citizen and are convicted of DWI, the conviction may affect your eligibility for legal status in the United States. In some cases, you may be subject to deportation if convicted of a DWI.

Taking Care of Business

If you own a business, you will want to take steps to protect yourself from a bad reputation. One way to do this is to make sure your DWI doesn’t appear on your record. If you are convicted of a DWI, the conviction will appear on your record. As a result, it will be difficult to obtain insurance, financing for a loan, or even a new account with another company.In some cases, you may be able to have the conviction expunged from your record. This means it will no longer appear on your record. The process for seeking an expungement will vary from state to state.

Conclusion

As you can see, a DWI conviction can have a serious impact on your life. It is important to understand the consequences of a DWI on your record so that you can prepare to deal with the consequences. If you are convicted of a DWI, you will want to take the necessary steps to have it expunged from your record.