How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Nevada?

DUI convictions have a life-altering impact, and they can stay on your record for the rest of your life unless you take action. So, how long does a DUI stay on your record in Nevada? The answer depends on whether you mean your criminal record or your driving record and whether you were convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.

Fortunately, with the help of a Las Vegas, NV, DUI lawyer, you may be able to seal your record and enjoy a fresh start. The DUI defense attorneys at Adras & Altig can review your case and explain your legal options. Take the first step toward getting your clean record back by contacting us today for a free consultation.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Nevada?

Understanding how DUI convictions impact your criminal record in Nevada can help you move forward. Your criminal record is an official document that tracks your encounters with the legal system. It includes arrests, charges, and convictions – all of which are available to law enforcement, employers, and other organizations conducting background checks.

In Nevada, a DUI conviction is a criminal offense. Unlike some states, Nevada doesn’t automatically erase or expunge DUIs. Your conviction will stay on your record for life unless you successfully seal the conviction.

Not every DUI conviction can be sealed, either. Misdemeanors (usually first and second DUIs within seven years) can be sealed. Felony DUIs (third offenses within seven years, DUIs causing severe injury or death, or a DUI after a previous felony conviction) cannot be sealed.

Working with a DUI lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, is the best way to determine whether your conviction can be sealed and potentially start the process.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Driving Record?

A driving record is different than your criminal record. Driving records are maintained by state departments of motor vehicles. They contain information about your license status, traffic violations, DUIs, accidents, and other relevant information.

In Nevada, felony convictions remain on your driving record for the rest of your life. Misdemeanor DUI convictions may remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. License revocations are on your record until you’ve followed the procedure to have your license reinstated.

Your driving record can affect your life in various ways. For example, your insurance rates are likely to go up after a DUI conviction, and you may need SR-22 certification to stay insured and licensed. SR-22 “insurance” is actually a certification that you carry the minimum amount of insurance required by law.

A license revocation in Nevada can also affect your ability to get a driver’s license in other states. It’s important to follow the license reinstatement procedures after your revocation period has ended – even if you don’t plan to stay in the state.

Reinstatements after a DUI revocation require you to submit a “Certificate of Compliance” to the DMV office (in person) and follow any other required procedures. This often includes SR-22 insurance, written testing, and paying your reinstatement fees. If you’re reinstating your license before the revocation period ends, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in every vehicle you operate.

Can a DUI Be Sealed in Nevada?

Certain DUI convictions can be sealed. Here’s how it works:

• Felony DUI – Felony DUIs can never be sealed.
• First-time misdemeanor DUI – You may petition to have your record sealed seven years after the case is closed – in other words, after you’re finished serving jail time, paying fines, completing mandatory programs, and are finished with probation.
• Subsequent misdemeanor DUI – Second misdemeanor DUIs are treated the same way as first-time DUIs.
• DUI reduced to reckless driving – If your DUI was reduced to a reckless driving charge, your conviction may be sealed after two years.

The sealing process differs depending on which county you’re in. Generally, however, the process involves hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, filing the necessary paperwork, and waiting for approval.

Sealing your DUI conviction – if possible – is a good investment in your future. When a conviction is sealed, it won’t show up on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licenses. This can make a big difference in your ability to move forward.

How a DUI Can Impact Your Future

A DUI conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life, from employment opportunities to personal relationships. For example, many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. DUIs can bar you from being hired by any company requiring a clean driving record, like commercial driving jobs. Even if your potential role does not involve driving, some employers may see a record of DUIs as a sign of poor judgment. Finally, if you’re in healthcare, education, or law, your professional licenses could be suspended or revoked.

Convictions also impact housing and higher education. Landlords may not want to rent to someone with a DUI conviction, and a criminal record can impact your admission to universities. DUI convictions may disqualify you from certain scholarships and on-campus housing.

DUI convictions are also a financial burden. You’ll likely see increased insurance premiums – to say nothing of court costs, fines, and attorney’s fees.

Finally, DUI convictions often impact your personal life. They harm your reputation within the community, and the effects often extend to family and friends.

How Adras & Altig Can Help

If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a DUI, the experienced DUI lawyers at Adras & Altig can help. We have extensive experience and a proven track record defending DUI charges. Our goal is to minimize the long-term impact on your life, whether your charges are dismissed or reduced. If you qualify for record sealing, our Las Vegas DUI attorneys can guide you through the process and help you find a fresh start.

Contact Our DUI Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV, Today

When you’re ready to seal your DUI conviction record, we can help. While the sealing and license reinstatement process can be complicated to handle on your own, Adras & Altig will work to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

Don’t take on Nevada’s court system and DMV alone – contact us today for a free consultation with our Las Vegas DUI lawyers.