Unless you plead guilty to a lesser charge or your record is expunged, drunk driving will show up on a criminal record if you’re convicted. This includes convictions through court proceedings, as well as refusals to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test.
However, the law varies greatly from state to state in terms of penalties and classification. In all states, a first-time drunk driving or DUI
charge is a misdemeanor (assuming no injuries or fatalities occurred). Second-time drunk driving charges are a misdemeanor in some states but a felony in others. A third-time drunk driving charge is always a felony. If you’re worried about this charge showing up, getting an experienced lawyer is always a smart idea. These professionals may be able to get the charge expunged, which means it won’t show up on a background check and you can legally say you have no convictions.
Regardless of whether you get the drunk driving charge expunged or not, your car insurance rates will likely increase. That’s when the Jerry
app can help. Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
MORE: How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?