An expungement can be a viable option for certain individuals who have a nonviolent conviction on their criminal record. A criminal record has the power to stay with you forever, affecting every part of your life. It can keep you from getting a decent job. It can impact your ability to find good housing. It can even hurt your personal relationships in multiple ways. You may be wondering: Can you expunge a DUI in Alabama? It really depends on your situation.
If you are considering pursuing expungement for your conviction, you should first consider hiring an Alabama expungement attorney to help you determine the right course of action for your expungement case. The state’s DUI penalties can be severe, especially when you consider the long-term aftereffects that come with a conviction.
Angela L Walker PC can bring over 30 years of focused experience to your case and help you determine whether you are eligible for expungement, so you can protect your future.
Can You Expunge a DUI in Alabama?
The short answer is no. You cannot expunge a DUI in Alabama. Under state law, a DUI conviction is permanent and can never be expunged. It remains on your criminal and driving record for life. The only charges that can be expunged in Alabama are misdemeanor criminal offenses, nonviolent traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and some nonviolent felonies. There were 4,630 drivers suspected of DUI reported throughout the state in 2024.
However, if you were charged with a DUI but never convicted, you have more options available to you. If you were found not guilty, your charges were dropped, or you completed a pretrial diversion program in lieu of a conviction, you can pursue expungement if you meet all of the necessary requirements. It’s recommended that you hire an expungement lawyer to walk you through your options and assist you in filing the proper paperwork with the right court.
The Expungement Process
If your DUI charge is eligible for expungement, you need to make sure you fully understand the steps in the filing process. The last thing you want is for your expungement to be denied solely because you made a costly mistake with the paperwork. Here are some of the most important steps in the Alabama expungement process:
- First, you need to obtain a certified copy of your criminal history, as well as the dispositions for each charge you are trying to expunge. Additional court documents you may need include your arrest record and physical proof that your case was dismissed.
- Next, you have to file the petition with the Circuit Court of the county in which you were arrested for the initial offense. You should have a lawyer help you with this petition.
- You have to pay the filing fee, which is usually around $500 per charge. Then, you have to send a copy of the petition to certain interested parties, including the District Attorney who prosecuted you and the law enforcement agency that arrested you. If nobody objects, the court should grant you your expungement. If someone does object, you’ll have to defend yourself at a hearing.
Hire an Expungement Lawyer
Angela L Walker PC has decades of experience in expungements and DUI defense, and she is prepared to assist clients in pursuing an expungement. Contact her to discuss how she can help your case.
