How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Record?

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in DUI

You might not think that a bad decision you made one night could shape your image for years to come. Unfortunately, this is often the case with driving under the influence (DUI). If you were arrested on DUI charges in Illinois, that information may be accessible to landlords, employers, and anyone else who runs a background check on you. However, you may have options to protect your reputation. An Illinois criminal defense lawyer can explore your options for getting your criminal record sealed or expunged.

As a former Cook County prosecutor, Attorney Matthew Gebhardt is highly familiar with the legal procedures involved with DUI. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we can advise you of your best course of action based on your specific situation.

The Long-Term Effects of a DUI Case

If you are convicted of DUI in Illinois, the consequences may run deeper than you expect. Even in seemingly minor cases, misdemeanor DUI is still punishable by up to a year in jail, which can impact your reputation in your community.

As previously stated, a DUI arrest or conviction will stay on your criminal record, which can severely restrict your opportunities in life. For instance, if you hold an occupational driver’s license, a DUI arrest could jeopardize your career. Oftentimes, the best way to move forward after a DUI arrest is to seek an expungement or sealing of your record, which hides the record from the public.

Can You Expunge a DUI Conviction in Illinois?

By getting your criminal record expunged, you can erase it from public or private access. In Illinois, many misdemeanor convictions and some felony convictions can be expunged from your record under certain conditions, essentially giving you a fresh start. 

Unfortunately, a DUI conviction is not expungeable under Illinois law. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, it is important that you seek out a highly competent criminal defense attorney who can argue to have the charges against you dismissed. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we can put up an aggressive defense on your behalf, working toward the best possible outcome for your case.

When Can a DUI Be Expunged or Sealed?

Even if you were acquitted of DUI in court, keep in mind that the record of your arrest is still publicly accessible. As such, getting your record expunged or sealed is important for protecting your reputation. Fortunately, if the case against you was dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a finding of ‘not guilty,’ you can pursue an expungement immediately. 

In Illinois, getting an expungement is a complex, multi-step process. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we can help you get a copy of your criminal record, fill out the necessary paperwork, and represent you in any required court appearances. From start to finish of your case, we will look out for your best interests.

Meet With a Gurnee, IL DUI Attorney

A DUI on your criminal record can be a heavy burden to live with. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., our Lake County, IL expungement attorney can help you explore your options for relief before, during, and after the verdict has been delivered.