If a court convicts you of a DUI in Missouri, you might wonder if you can remove that conviction from your record. A DUI conviction can significantly impact your life, affecting your employment, professional licenses, and reputation. Fortunately, Missouri offers a process known as expungement that may allow you to erase the conviction from your criminal record. However, not all DUI convictions qualify. Understanding the specific rules can help you determine if this option is available to you.
What is expungement?
Expungement is the legal process that removes a criminal conviction from your record. It essentially erases the conviction, making it as though it never happened. Expungement can improve your chances when applying for jobs, housing, or loans. However, some entities may still access expunged records under specific circumstances.
Can a DUI conviction be expunged in Missouri?
Missouri law allows for the expungement of DUI convictions, but only under specific conditions. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Time Requirement: At least ten years must have passed since the conviction.
- Clean Record: During those ten years, you must not have any other alcohol-related arrests or convictions.
- Conviction Type: The DUI must have resulted in a conviction; reductions or dismissals are not eligible for expungement.
If you meet these conditions, you may petition the court to remove the DUI conviction from your record.
Why can’t all DUI convictions be expunged?
Missouri treats DUI offenses seriously due to their potential impact on public safety. The state does not allow expungement for all DUI convictions to maintain accountability for those who repeatedly engage in reckless behavior. Although the law allows expungement in certain cases, it aims to preserve records for more severe offenses.
What other options are there?
If expungement is not possible, you may still pursue other options, like obtaining a “limited driving privilege” after a suspension, which allows you to drive under specific conditions. Probation or a suspended sentence may also be available, depending on your case.