Does Missouri Allow Me To Have An Old DWI Expunged From My Record?
Are you being haunted by an old DWI? Perhaps it is holding you back from moving forward in your career? Thankfully, after you have paid your debt to society, you can look forward to eventually having this charge removed from your record forever, and start with a clean slate.
Eligibility for DWI Expungement
In order to be eligible to have a DWI expunged from your record, there are a few requirements that must be met. As provided in the Revised Missouri Statutes Section 577.054: (i) it must be ten (10) years since the DWI conviction or guilty plea; (ii) it must be the first alcohol-related driving offense; (iii) the charge must have been a misdemeanor or county or city ordinance violation – meaning no felony charges; (iv) the conviction cannot have been for driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol – additionally, this expungement does not apply to individuals who have been issued a commercial driver’s license; (v) the individual seeking to have the DWI expunged must not have been convicted of any other alcohol-related driving offenses; and (vi) the individual must not have any other alcohol-related enforcement contacts or alcohol driving charges or actions pending.
Effect of DWI Expungement
According to the statute, the essential effect of expunging a DWI “shall be to restore such person to the status he or she occupied prior to such arrest, plea or conviction and as if such event had never take place.” This means that the records and files maintained by either administrative or court proceedings shall be confidential. As such, they will only be available to the parties of the case, or “by order of the court for good cause shown.” Furthermore, the statute makes clear that once the expungement has been ordered, the applicant can truthfully answer “No” when asked if he or she has been arrested, charged, tried, pled guilty to, or convicted for a DWI. This can be a huge help to anyone applying for work or to a school, as it removes an unfortunate mistake and embarrassing moment from your personal record.
Finding the Right Attorney To Assist You
If you have been charged with a DWI, it is important that you find the right attorney with the experience and ability to protect your rights, driving privileges, and personal record. At Hollingshead, Paulus, and Eccher, we have the knowledge, experience, and ability to aggressively fight for your interests. If you are facing a DWI charge or would like to know about the possibility of having your record expunged, do not hesitate to reach out today. We are here to help you.
