Is a DWI expungeable from my criminal record?
In Washington, DWI or Driving While Intoxicated offenses can be expunged, or removed, from your criminal record under certain circumstances. Generally, the court will determine whether an individual qualifies for a DWI expungement based on the conviction and the individual’s criminal history. To be eligible for expungement, the individual must meet certain requirements, such as having no other pending criminal charges; not having any other convictions in the past five years; and not having any other arrests for the same offense within the past five years. Additionally, the individual must not have any probation or community service requirements stemming from the conviction. It is important to note, however, that many types of DWI offenses will not be eligible for expungement, including DUI convictions involving a minor, or involving a vehicle registered in another state. It is important to note that a DWI expungement does not make the original offense disappear entirely. While it is removed from the public record, law enforcement and government agencies such as the Department of Licensing will still have access to the records. Additionally, if you are convicted of a subsequent offense, this expunged conviction can be used to charge you with a subsequent offense. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you are considering expunging a DWI conviction to determine whether it is the right decision for your case.
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