How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Ohio? 2024

If you face a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, you probably wonder, “How long does a DUI stay on your record in Ohio,” as well as other long-term impacts. The DUI defense lawyers at the Fortress Law Group, LLC, know that a DUI will likely remain on your criminal record permanently, but it is important that you understand the impacts of its presence on your record so that you can adequately prepare yourself for any negative repercussions.

Because a DUI stays on both a criminal and driving record indefinitely without the opportunity for expungement, it is important that drivers understand that once they are convicted, the record is permanent and may have long-lasting negative impacts on their lives in various ways.

How a DUI on a Criminal Record May Impact Individuals

While a DUI will remain on an individual’s criminal record indefinitely in Ohio, it can also have long-lasting impacts on an individual’s life that go beyond data on a document. The consequences can impact several aspects of daily life, including legal standing, employment, and personal relationships. Below are key ways a DUI on a criminal record may impact you moving forward in life:

• Employment opportunities. It is often customary that employers conduct background checks on prospective employees, and a DUI conviction may disqualify individuals from certain job opportunities, particularly for jobs that require driving. Some employees have hiring policies that automatically discount individuals with criminal convictions, especially for roles that involve safety and responsibility.
• Insurance costs. A DUI conviction can increase car insurance premiums as insurance companies view people with DUIs as a higher risk. In certain cases, individuals may be required to get high-risk insurance, which is both costly and challenging to maintain.
• Legal consequences. Beyond the immediate penalties like fines, license suspension, or jail time, a DUI conviction can lead to extended probation periods and increase the severity of penalties for any subsequent offenses.
• Impact on personal life. DUI convictions may also hold a social stigma that can impact an individual’s personal life. It can lead to feelings of strained relationships and embarrassment. Individuals may lose their ability to drive themselves altogether, which can directly impact personal freedom and mobility.
• Housing opportunities. A DUI conviction may impact housing options because landlords and property managers often conduct background checks that show criminal records, and a DUI may be viewed as a red flag by a landlord, which may, in turn, lead the landlord to not accept them as a tenant.A DUI may also disqualify individuals from certain public housing and subsidized housing programs, as some require a clean criminal record for eligibility. For federally funded housing, each housing authority has discretion over how they interpret criminal background checks, so there is a likelihood that a recent DUI will limit options.
• Travel. DUI convictions can complicate international travel as some countries may deny entry to individuals with a criminal record. Similarly, non-citizens may face immigration consequences that can lead to a risk of deportation.

A DUI conviction can have wide-ranging effects on an individual’s life, affecting everything from employment opportunities to personal relationships and legal standing. The long-term nature of these consequences makes it essential for individuals facing DUI charges to take these legal proceedings seriously and potentially meet with a DUI lawyer to understand and potentially lessen the impacts of a conviction.

FAQs

Q: Can You Get a DUI Off Your Record?

A: In Ohio, it is difficult to have a DUI completely removed from a record, but there are certain options depending on the unique situations of the case. Ohio DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement, but it does allow for the sealing of criminal records under certain conditions. If your DUI charge was unjust, you are able to contest it in court or file an appeal. While it is not possible to completely erase a conviction, you have other options.

Q: What Is the Lookback Period for a DUI in Ohio?

A: Ohio has a lookback period for DUIs of 10 years, which means that if you are convicted of a subsequent DUI (or operating a vehicle under the influence [OVI] in Ohio) within 10 years of prior offenses, the penalties can be more severe, including longer license suspensions, higher fees, and potentially longer jail times. It is important to understand that the 10-year lookback does not reset after each conviction; the clock runs continuously.

Q: Does a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?

A: Yes, a DUI does show up on background checks in most cases, particularly with checks involving criminal records and driving records, and it will remain visible for the long term unless there are exceptional circumstances. This means that employers, landlords, and other entities can review your record and see your prior conviction.

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations on DUI in Ohio?

A: In Ohio, there is no statute of limitations for a DUI or OVI offense. This means that criminal charges may be brought against an individual at any time after the alleged offenses, regardless of how much time has lapsed from the incident.

Q: Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me With a DUI?

A: Yes, a criminal defense lawyer can significantly help an individual with a DUI charge. They can review the evidence against you to determine if there are any valid defense arguments to be made and help you navigate the legal process. Criminal defense attorneys look to protect their client’s rights and see that they receive a fair legal process.

Speak With a DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

As you are navigating a DUI arrest and the legal process that follows, it is important that you are engaging in this process with the adequate information and support that you need to receive a fair and favorable outcome. Set up an initial consultation with the Fortress Law Group, LLC, to learn how our DUI criminal defense lawyers can help. Our legal team wants an ideal outcome for our clients, and through our legal experience and understanding, we can create a strong defense.