Can I Get A DUI Expunged From My Driving Record in NJ?

Having a DUI/DWI on your driving record can impact you for a long time to come. You may have trouble landing a job if your prospective employer does a background check. Similarly, a loan or lease can easily be turned down if the lender feels you are a bad risk. When it comes to insurance, you DUI will most definitely have an impact; prepare to pay surcharges.

The problem for New Jersey drivers is that the state prohibits a DUI/DWI conviction from being expunged from a record. In fact, it’s one of the few crimes that cannot be expunged in NJ. Interestingly enough, 48 of the 50 states treat DUIs as criminal offenses. New Jersey isn’t one of them. NJ views DWI it as a motor vehicle offense, even though defendants guilty of criminal charges will suffer those penalties as well as traffic penalties.

Either way, in New Jersey, only criminal offenses can be expunged from a person’s record. Therefore, if you are found guilty of driving drunk in New Jersey, the conviction will follow you forever.

One silver lining, employers cannot discriminate against a person who has a DUI unless there is a compelling business reason to do so. For example, if you are applying for a position as a truck driver or you will be required to drive a company car.

It’s critically important that you have an experienced lawyer working tirelessly on your behalf to get your DWI/DUI charges dismissed or at least downgraded so you do not have to deal with a life-long record.

John W. Tumelty has been defending good people, like you, against DWI charges for more than 35 years in Atlantic City, NJ. He knows the laws and will do his best to protect your interests. Contact him today for a free consultation about your case.