DWI Records

Thanks to the Internet, obtaining criminal records is easier and cheaper than ever. Employers, schools and other licensed and bonded agencies may conduct a background check in order to view your criminal record. Many courts are making criminal records available online, which means that if you have a DWI conviction, this will show up during the research.

However, you don’t necessarily need to have been convicted of DWI to have your charge show up on your criminal record. Once a criminal charge (such as DWI) has been filed, it becomes a matter of public record. Your arrest is an official record that can be made available to anyone who requests it and is willing to pay to receive this information. Whether you were acquitted at trial or your DWI was dismissed, this charge may still appear on your criminal record in a national database depending on the laws in your state and the local prosecutor‘s reporting procedures. This means that during a roadside stop, a police officer will run a background check and this charge will appear.

If you are wondering if your DWI charge is currently on your criminal record, you can contact a local agency that specializes in gathering this information. Usually for a small fee, you can obtain a copy of your criminal record. In the event that you do have a DWI charge and/or conviction on your record, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced DWI attorney. Why? An attorney may be able to get such charges and/or convictions expunged.

As you’re probably aware, having a criminal record can prevent you from obtaining employment, enrolling in school or finding housing. This is something that can haunt you for the rest of your life. This is why it’s so important to contact an attorney who specializes in getting DWI charges and/or convictions expunged.

Criminal records are collected by the federal government who in turn shares this information regarding criminal charges will state and local law enforcement agencies. There are several reasons law enforcement agencies will check criminal records including bail recommendations, narrowing down a pool of suspects in a criminal investigation, screening potential employees, negotiating plea bargains, determining appropriate charges, sentencing recommendations and considering the impeachability and reliability of potential informants.

When it comes to DWI laws, states share information regarding past criminal charges and convictions. For instance, if you were arrested for DWI in one state and move to another state and were charged with DWI again, the state you moved to will be able to view this information and make recommendations regarding treatment.