DUI Expunge

Now is the time to have your criminal record expunged. While there are many benefits to having a clear criminal history, these are the most cited top ten:

1. To Obtain Employment. With the economy still down and countless individuals looking for work, there are many more job applicants than job opportunities. Since most employers conduct thorough background checks, having a criminal record is one of the quickest ways to land your resume or job application in the trash can.

2. To Obtain A State License. Having a criminal history can prevent you from obtaining a state license, including a nursing license, real estate license, or contractor’s license, to name a few.

3. To Obtain Loans. Many lenders require that you divulge your criminal record as part of their application process and risk assessment. With a criminal history, you can end up with higher interest rates, or even be prevented from getting a loan altogether.

4. To Be Eligible For More Educational Opportunities. Most colleges, graduate schools, and vocational schools require that your reveal your criminal record on your application. Again, in such competitive times, having that mark against you can stop you from getting into the program of your choice. If you have a scholarship when you pick up a record, there is a great possibility you will lose it. If you are already enrolled in a program, you can be kicked out.

5. To Be Eligible For More Housing Opportunities. This works in two ways. First, you may not be eligible for governmental housing assistance with a criminal record. Second, private landlords are not obligated to rent to you if you have a criminal record. There are no statutes preventing discrimination against former “criminals.” Many, if not most, landlords run background checks on prospective tenants and having a record can prevent you from staying where you want or need to live.

6. To Avoid Sentence Enhancement. Although most people don’t like to think about being involved in the court system again, let’s face it, it happens! Having a criminal history will be counted against you during sentencing in any subsequent crimes, and courts tend to go much easier on first time offenders than repeat offenders.

7. To Join A Professional Organization. A number of professional organizations conduct background checks prior to allowing individuals entry into the organization.

8. To Travel To More Places. Did you know that travel to Canada and many other countries is restricted with a criminal record? This is not anything new. Many countries deny entry to people with criminal records regardless of how minor the charges. For example, Canada will not allow people in with DUI or drug possession convictions on their records.

9. To Be A More Attractive Date. Landlords, employers, and financial institutions aren’t the only ones looking online to dig up dirt on people. Many people meeting both online and offline use the internet to investigate potential dates. In my practice I’ve heard plenty of stories of cancelled dates because: “You didn’t tell me you had a criminal record!”

10. To Obtain Personal Redemption/Peace Of Mind. Many individuals feel uncomfortable having their past mistakes hanging over their heads indefinitely, are embarrassed or worry about their past, and are even stigmatized when people find out. This is the reason I hear the most from people as to why they want to expunge their criminal record. Peace of mind is priceless.

Originally published here.

“The convictions from a DUI will appear on your record indefinitely until you work on having it expunged.”

Dealing alone with a serious conviction like DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can make your life miserable because of the laws defining the offense as well as the related procedures and evidences which have become incredibly complex and convoluted. Today the penalties for DUI/DWI offences are more extreme than for other felony offenses. This makes it very difficult for drivers, who may not even realize at the time of their arrest that they were over the legal limit of alcohol or prescription drugs, to escape the charge. DUI charges can be brought against drivers for using any substance that could affect a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Generally, DUI convictions are determined by the BAC or blood alcohol concentration of the driver, with a level of .08 at the legal limit. However, this limit only counts as a BAC of .02 for offenders under the age of 21. These limits vary from county to county within each state.

There are many intricacies involved in a DUI charge that can seriously affect a person’s life forever. Being convicted of a DUI can lead a person to pay heavy fines or complete a jail sentence. Other consequences include license suspension, ignition interlock devices, impoundment of vehicle, and much more depending on the damage that was caused. The challenges that a DUI charge presents make it necessary for people to know their rights. An awareness of these rights begins with the role of DUI attorneys. When charged with DWI convictions, it is important that you contact a DWI lawyer immediately after an arrest to reduce your chances of the negative effects mentioned above.

A DWI attorney in your area will explain your rights and help you move on with your life rather than being constantly frustrated by the outcome of your DUI charge. Choosing the right DUI lawyer to represent you in court may also help save your driver’s license and get your drunken driving charge either reduced or dismissed. In a confusing and often intimidating legal world, only a good DUI defense lawyer can help you get out of the situation, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

Originally published here.

Tyler Flood & Associates www.tylerflood.com (713) 224-5529Regardless of your situation, you should place your trust in experienced and successful Texas drunk driving attorneys. The firm of Tyler Flood & Associates, Inc. is a team of Houston DWI lawyers who are experienced in handling drunk driving charges. The firm has assisted numerous individuals, and is very experienced and well-schooled in the art of determining the best course of action for your Texas DWI issues. If you have been arrested for a DWI offense in Texas, do not try to handle the legal situation yourself. Contact a team of experienced and respected Texas DWI defense attorneys such as Tyler Flood & Associates, Inc. to make sure that your rights are protected.