NOTE: DWI EXPUNGEMENTS ARE NO LONGER POSSIBLE IN NORTH CAROLINA (2015)
Prior to 2012, a North Carolina DWI would remain on your criminal record permanently. Since the passing of House Bill 1023, it is now possible to have a DWI conviction expunged from your record. It is important to note changes in NC law and your eligibility to expunge a DWI from your record as it has longstanding implications on your work, school, and financial life. An experienced Raleigh DWI lawyer and expungement attorney will be able to walk you through the intricacies of the expungement process.
The bill that was signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue allows a large number of people with prior DWI convictions to clear their record. In order to be eligible for expungement, you must meet the following criteria:
- At least 15 years have passed from completion of sentence (the clock usually starts when probation or prison time ended)
- You have no other felony or misdemeanor convictions
- You have never received an expungement previously in North Carolina
Many people don’t realize the negative impact a DWI can have on your life. While it is a misdemeanor in most cases and is one of the most common criminal charges in North Carolina, the impacts can be far reaching. A DWI conviction can affect your ability to get a job, financial aid, and possibly housing. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 92 percent of employers check criminal backgrounds. If your job requires a professional license this may also be revoked as a result of a DWI. While the best option is certainly to be found not guilty of a DWI, if you’ve already been convicted an expungement is the next best thing.
A North Carolina DWI on your criminal record can greatly impact your life. Seeking an expungement can help you to get back on track. In order to clear your DWI, use a North Carolina lawyer that has extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of expungement. The Chetson Firm has successfully resolved cases in Wake County and various counties within North Carolina. Mr. Chetson fights to clear his clients DWI record so that they will no longer have to struggle with the stigma of a conviction.