How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in New Jersey?

DWI is not treated as a criminal offense in New Jersey, even though jail time is possible. As such, you will not be left with a criminal record that may be viewed in standard background checks. Nevertheless, DWI can still have a profound effect on your future because the record of your conviction can still impact your life in many ways. In some respects, your driving record can be the key to many things that are important to you, such as your ability to find certain work and qualify for lower car insurance rates.

You Do Not Have a Criminal Record, But You Will Have a Permanent Mark on Your Driving Record

The good news is that a DWI conviction will not give you a criminal record. The bad news is that a conviction for this offense will remain on your record permanently. DWI offenses are not treated like criminal matters in that you can seek expungement of your record after you have completed your sentence and after a certain amount of time has passed. Once you have been convicted of DWI, you must be prepared for the fact that the record will stay with you for a lifetime, even if it may not be viewable by everyone in a public search.

A DWI conviction will certainly remain on your record for purposes of the lookback period if you have been charged with a subsequent offense. New Jersey imposes escalating penalties for subsequent DWI offenses, including mandatory minimum jail sentences and longer license suspensions. The authorities will always be able to review your driving record to determine what penalties to seek if you are arrested for DWI again in the future.

The Impacts of Having a Permanent DWI on Your Driving Record

Some jobs may require a prospective employer to search your driving record. For example, if you are trying to get a job as a truck or bus driver, or you are seeking to drive for a company like Uber and Lyft, you will be required to conduct a check of your driving record. Due diligence means that rideshare companies may need to reject you if they deem you to be a risk based on your record. Otherwise, they may be liable in a lawsuit when they would not otherwise be sued because they put a driver who was a known risk in a position where they could harm passengers.

In addition, insurance companies also review your driving record before they decide whether to offer you a policy and how much they may charge. They can see that you have had a DWI conviction, and they will price a policy accordingly. The good news is that the effect of the conviction may fade over time. An insurance company may look back at up to 10 years of your driving history when they make policy and pricing decisions. If you have maintained a clean record since your DWI conviction, the impact may lessen over time.

With this in mind, you must be conscious of the potential consequences of pleading guilty to a DWI charge. While it may make sense for you to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or no jail time, you should at least be aware of the fact that you will have a permanent record before you make any decisions in your case. An experienced DWI lawyer can help you evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of your case, along with the ramifications of a guilty plea.

Charged With a DWI in New Jersey? An Experienced Blackwood DWI Lawyer at Iannelli Law Will Fight to Protect Your Legal Rights

If you have been charged with DWI in New Jersey, a Blackwood DWI lawyer at Iannelli Law can help you present your strongest possible legal defense. The key is to reach out to us immediately after you are arrested so we can get to work on your case. To schedule a free consultation, submit our online form or call today at 856-227-2434. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.