A DWI conviction can make life very difficult. It may affect your ability to get a new job, rent a house or apartment, or travel to countries with strict DWI laws. Understandably, many people who have been convicted of a DWI wonder how long they’ll have to deal with these repercussions. They want to know whether a DWI will ever come off of their record, and if there’s anything they can do to make it happen more quickly. So, how long does a DWI stay on your record in Minnesota, and is there anything you can do to have this conviction expunged?
Does a DWI come off your record?
Unfortunately, your DWI conviction will never “fall off” your criminal record. Even if it has been decades since your case, your conviction may still show up on background checks and make your life more difficult. A DWI conviction will remain on your record unless you have it expunged.
There’s no point in watching the calendar and hoping your DWI will go away, but there are still important timelines you should know if you’ve been convicted of your first DWI. MN DWI charges increase in severity for each subsequent charge after your first. The court determines the severity based on the length of time it has been since your previous conviction. This is known as an enhanced charge. Your MN DWI defense lawyers will help you understand why you are facing a more severe charge based on your past convictions.
How To Get A DWI Off Your Record In MN – Expunging a DWI Conviction
In the State of Minnesota, many crimes are eligible for expungement under the right circumstances. You may be able to have your DWI record expunged, which will make it easier to pass background checks and maybe even travel.
To have your DWI expunged, you must work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Minnesota who understands the process and can help you navigate your court hearings. Your attorney will discuss with you the possible reasons why you should ask for your DWI expungement in Minnesota and can advise you on whether you have a good chance at winning your case.
Some of our clients ask us, “If it’s possible to have criminal records expunged, why doesn’t everyone do it? Is it too expensive?” DWI expungement cost varies, but it’s not generally an impediment to a motivated client whose prior conviction is causing all kinds of trouble in their life. Often people simply don’t know it’s an option.
DWI Attorneys In Minnesota – Defense, Expungement, and More
If you have not yet received a DWI conviction and are concerned about how the outcome of your case will affect your future, our criminal defense DWI attorneys can help. We also assist clients with a past conviction who would like to explore the possibility of having their DWI record expunged. Contact Sieben Edmunds Miller’s Minnesota DUI-DWI attorneys to learn more.
