Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers | July 4, 2025 | DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a frequently charged offense in California. Some people see it as a routine mistake or traffic offense, not realizing how deeply it can affect their lives. In reality, a DUI conviction brings serious consequences for defendants, including fines, possible jail time, license suspension, and skyrocketing insurance rates that can last far into the future.
It’s important to understand exactly how long a DUI stays on your criminal and DMV records in California because the impact goes far beyond court sentencing.
Driving Record vs. Criminal Record
When you’re convicted of a DUI in California, it creates consequences on both your criminal and driving records. These records serve very different purposes.
Driving Record
In California, a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for ten years from the date of your arrest. You cannot have it erased or the duration shortened.
This mark is accessible to the DMV, law enforcement agencies, and auto insurance companies, which can have many different impacts.
DMV Impact
When you have a DUI on your California driving record, the DMV closely monitors your driving status. That mark can directly influence whether your license is suspended, revoked, reinstated, or whether you’re required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
If you are caught with a subsequent DUI, penalties can be much harsher – you will usually face longer license suspensions or even permanent revocation in some cases.
Law Enforcement Impact
A DUI notation on your driving record doesn’t go unnoticed by law enforcement. When police check your record, during a traffic stop or for any investigation, your past DUI shows up immediately. This can mean officers will treat you with greater suspicion.
Car Insurance Impact
Your auto insurance company will also see the DUI on your driving profile. After a conviction, insurance providers typically increase your premium rates, since you’re now considered a higher-risk driver.
In some situations, your insurance may even be canceled altogether, forcing you to seek coverage from companies that serve drivers with negative records, typically at much higher costs than standard policies.
While there are a lot of impacts of having a DUI on your driving record, this record is generally not included in standard employment or housing background checks that focus on your criminal record.
Criminal Record
Your criminal record includes all misdemeanor and felony convictions, including any DUI convictions. Background checks can reveal your DUI conviction unless it is expunged, which isn’t always possible. Here are some of the collateral consequences of a DUI conviction:
Employment
Many employers run background checks during the hiring process, and seeing a DUI can limit your job prospects and even disqualify you from specific industries. This is even more significant if you’re applying for positions that require driving, handling sensitive information, or working with vulnerable populations.
Professional Licenses
If your career involves a state-issued license, such as for healthcare providers, teachers, or real estate agents, a DUI can result in refusal, suspension, or loss of that license. These licensing boards often view DUIs as an issue of character, reliability, or public safety.
Housing
When landlords review applicants’ backgrounds, a DUI record could make them less likely to rent or extend leases to you, perceiving you as a higher risk. This limitation can affect your opportunities not just for private rentals, but also in subsidized housing programs.
College Admissions
Colleges and universities frequently inquire about criminal convictions on applications, and a DUI can be a red flag that complicates your path to higher education. It can negatively impact acceptance and eligibility for scholarships, grants, and on-campus opportunities.
Immigration Status
Non-citizens face additional problems, as a DUI on your record can lead to issues with a visa, green card, or naturalization process. In more serious cases, it can even be a factor in deportation proceedings.
Future DUI Charges
Having a DUI conviction on your criminal record means that if you’re ever arrested for another DUI, the prior conviction will be used to increase potential penalties. This could mean longer jail time and higher fines.
Contact a San Diego DUI Lawyer at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the San Diego DUI attorneys at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation. Give us a call at (619) 357-4977, or visit our convenient location:
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers San Diego
225 Broadway Suite 1740
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 357-4977
24/7
