Getting charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) in Colorado can have serious consequences that extend far beyond fines and license suspension. One of the biggest concerns for those facing a DUI charge is how long the conviction will remain on their record. A DUI can impact employment opportunities, insurance rates, and even your ability to travel.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Fort Collins, Colorado, it’s crucial to understand how long a DUI stays on your record, whether it can be removed, and what steps you can take to minimize its impact on your future.
In Colorado, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Unlike some other states, Colorado does not allow DUI convictions to be sealed or expunged, meaning it will always be visible on background checks for employers, landlords, and law enforcement.
However, there is a difference between your criminal record and your driving record, which we’ll discuss next.
While a DUI remains on your criminal record permanently, it does not stay on your Colorado DMV driving record forever. Here’s what you need to know:
While your driving record may "clear" after a certain number of years for insurance purposes, the conviction itself remains on your criminal history indefinitely.
In many states, individuals can have a DUI removed from their record after a certain period. Unfortunately, Colorado does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged or sealed. This means that once you have a DUI on your record, it stays there permanently.
The only exception applies to DUI charges that were dismissed or where the defendant was found not guilty. If your case was dismissed, you can petition to have the arrest record sealed.
Even though a DUI doesn’t disappear from your record, the impact may lessen over time. However, it can still cause serious problems in several areas of your life.
Many employers conduct background checks before hiring. A DUI conviction can be a red flag, especially if the job involves driving. Some professions, such as commercial drivers, healthcare workers, and government employees, may have stricter policies regarding criminal records.
A DUI can make you a "high-risk driver," causing insurance rates to skyrocket. Many insurance providers will charge higher premiums for at least 5 to 7 years after a DUI. Some may even refuse to renew your policy, requiring you to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is significantly more expensive.
Certain professions, such as lawyers, teachers, nurses, and pilots, require professional licensing boards to review criminal records. A DUI could put your professional license at risk or require you to go through additional legal hurdles to maintain your certification.
A DUI can affect your ability to travel internationally. Some countries, including Canada, have strict entry rules for individuals with DUI convictions. Travelers may be required to apply for special waivers or permits before being allowed entry.
Even though a DUI remains on your record, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact:
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, working with an experienced DUI defense attorney in Fort Collins can help you explore options for reducing or dismissing the charges before they become a permanent mark on your record.
In some cases, an attorney may negotiate a plea deal where a DUI charge is reduced to a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) or reckless driving charge, which carries fewer long-term consequences.
Many employers and landlords are willing to overlook a past DUI if you can show a record of responsibility and good behavior. Completing an alcohol education program, maintaining a clean driving history, and avoiding any further legal trouble can help rebuild your reputation.
Although a DUI stays on your criminal record permanently, your driving record may clear after several years. Regularly checking your Colorado DMV record can help ensure that old points and violations are correctly removed.
In Colorado, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently, making it important to handle charges correctly from the start. While it will also affect your driving record and insurance rates for several years, the long-term consequences can extend to employment, licensing, and travel.
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Fort Collins, it’s critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced DUI defense attorney may be able to fight the charges, negotiate a reduced sentence, or prevent a conviction from happening in the first place.
To discuss your case and learn more about your options, contact Lee E. Christian Law today for a consultation.
