Can I expunge a DWI from my record?
In Washington, you may be able to expunge a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge from your record. The process for expungement of a DWI charge is not an easy one and requires navigating several laws and court guidelines. The first step is to consult with an attorney with experience in DWI law in Washington. The attorney will review your case to see if you meet the criteria for expungement. Generally, the criteria require that you have completed all court-ordered punishments such as fines and probation, submitted to an alcohol or drug evaluation and attended an alcohol or drug treatment program (if applicable). You must also not have any additional DWI charges. If you meet the criteria, your attorney could file a motion with the court to have the DWI charge expunged from your record. The court will make the final decision on the motion. Once the court grants the motion, your DWI charge should be removed from your record. In the event that the court does not grant your motion for expungement, you may still be able to have the charge sealed from your record. This is a separate process from expungement and also requires consulting with an experienced attorney. Sealing a DWI charge from your record is a bit more lenient than expungement, as it does not completely erase the charge from your record, but does limit access to it. In any case, having a DWI charge on your record can be damaging and it is important to contact an attorney to learn your options for expungement or sealing.
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