If you were charged with a DUI as a juvenile you can get your record "sealed" If you were convicted as an adult, you can get your conviction "expunged." Although Law enforcement and the Department of Motor Vehicles will still see the prior conviction.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/2/2010

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

You cannot get a DUI sealed in California even if you are out of state. You do have some options. Contact me to go over the facts and see what you can do.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/1/2010

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Sealed is not generally possible. However, many felony and misdemeanor convictions [not infractions] can sometimes be “expunged” by proper application and Petition to the court, but only if there was no prison time served or even sentenced, if it was not for certain sex and Domestic Violence crimes, if all terms of sentencing and probation [and at least one year of probation] are completed and finished, and if there are no new charges pending. If successful, the conviction would be retroactively withdrawn and the charges dismissed.

That does not “remove” the conviction, but merely changes the record to show “conviction reversed and dismissed by expungement.” If expunged, you would be able to say “no” to conviction on most private employment applications. However, the conviction is still a “prior” for purposes of repeat offense, and must be disclosed on any application for government and professional licensing, bonding, security clearance, etc.

The agency and employer then can decide whether you are barred from employment because of your conviction. If you are serious about doing so, and you think you qualify, feel free to contact me for the legal help you will need. You will not need to be personally present, your attorney can handle it for you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/31/2010

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.