What is DUI expungement, and is it possible in Utah?
DUI expungement is the process of removing a DUI conviction from one’s criminal record. In Utah, it is possible to have a DUI conviction expunged from your criminal record, but the process is complex and requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. To be eligible for expungement, you must meet certain criteria including having no new convictions within a specified time period after the DUI conviction and completing all terms of your sentence. Additionally, you must submit the necessary documents to the court and pay any applicable filing fees.What are the eligibility criteria for DUI expungement in Utah?
In order to be eligible for DUI expungement in Utah, the individual must have been convicted of DUI at least five (5) years prior to the petition for expungement. Additionally, the individual must have completed all court-ordered requirements, including probation, fines, treatments or programs, and they must not have any pending criminal or traffic charges. Finally, the individual must not have been convicted of any other criminal offense within the five (5) years preceding the petition for expungement.Is there a waiting period before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Utah?
Yes, there is a waiting period before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Utah. In order to apply for DUI expungement in Utah, an individual must wait at least 10 years from the date of their conviction.What types of DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement in Utah?
In Utah, DUI convictions are typically eligible for expungement if they are more than five years old, the individual completing the expungement process has no other criminal convictions on their record, and the individual completed all terms of their sentence without issue. Additionally, some DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement if they occurred prior to the individual’s 21st birthday.Are there specific conditions or rehabilitation programs required for expungement eligibility in Utah?
Yes, there are several conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for expungement in Utah. To be eligible, an individual must not have been convicted of a felony in the past seven years and must not have any pending criminal charges. Additionally, the individual must have successfully completed all court-ordered treatment or rehabilitative programs, must have paid all fines and restitution, and must not have committed any new offenses since the completion of the rehabilitative programs.How does someone initiate the DUI expungement process in Utah?
In order to initiate the DUI expungement process in Utah, an individual would need to obtain an expungement petition form from the court where they were convicted of the DUI offense. The form can be downloaded from the court’s website or obtained in person from the court’s clerk’s office. The individual must then complete the petition form, providing information about themselves and the DUI offense, and submit it to the court. The court will then review the petition and determine if it meets statutory requirements for expungement. If it does, a hearing will be set during which the individual can present their case and the court will make a decision on whether or not to grant the expungement.What documentation or evidence is needed when applying for expungement in Utah?
When applying for expungement in Utah, applicants are typically required to provide documentation such as the original court documents for the charges they are seeking to have expunged, proof of completion of all court ordered programs (such as treatment, community service, probation, etc.), and proof of any other relevant items (such as proof of payment of fines, restitution, etc.). Depending on the circumstances, applicants may also be required to provide character references and/or a letter explaining why the expungement should be granted.Are there fees associated with filing for DUI expungement in Utah?
Yes, there are fees associated with filing for DUI expungement in Utah. The filing fee is $140. There may also be an additional fee to have the records sealed.Can individuals with multiple DUI convictions apply for expungement in Utah?
No, individuals with multiple DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement in Utah, as are those convicted of any felony or class A misdemeanor.Does expungement result in the complete removal of the DUI record, or is it sealed in Utah?
In Utah, expungement does not completely remove a DUI record. It is sealed, meaning that the record is not publicly available and can only be accessed by certain court officials or law enforcement authorities with proper authorization.How do employers, landlords, and background check companies view expunged DUI records in Utah?
As far as most employers, landlords, and background check companies are concerned, DUI records in Utah that have been expunged are considered to be no different than if they had never happened. This is because an expungement legally removes the record from public view and makes it as if the offense never occurred. Therefore, employers, landlords, and background check companies will not see an individual’s expunged DUI record.Is there a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Utah?
Yes, there is a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Utah. Expungement refers to the process of sealing or destroying public records of an arrest or conviction, while setting aside a DUI conviction refers to the court granting a motion to vacate or dismiss the conviction. The difference is that when an expungement is granted, the record of the arrest or conviction is sealed and can no longer be accessed, while when a conviction is set aside, it is still visible on the individual’s record, but the consequences of the conviction are eliminated.Can expunged DUI records be used against an individual in future DUI cases in Utah?
No, expunged DUI records cannot be used against an individual in future DUI cases in Utah. According to Utah law, a DUI offense that is expunged is treated as if it never occurred. This means that the courts may not consider or refer to the expunged offense in any subsequent proceedings.Do expunged DUI records affect professional licensing or certifications in Utah?
In Utah, DUI records can affect professional licensing or certifications. An individual’s DUI record may be considered when the state’s licensing board reviews an application for professional certification or licensing. However, it is important to note that expunged DUI records may not be considered in the review process and are not accessible to the public.Are there any restrictions on firearm ownership after DUI expungement in Utah?
Yes. After expungement of a DUI conviction in Utah, the individual may find him or herself subject to restrictions on firearm ownership. Specifically, the convicted individual may be prohibited from owning, carrying, or possessing a firearm in certain circumstances. Additionally, any person convicted of any felony (or any attempted felony) may be prohibited from owning, carrying, or possessing a firearm in certain circumstances.It is important to note that even with an expunged DUI conviction on your record, you may still be subject to certain federal laws that restrict firearm ownership. Therefore, it is important to research the applicable federal and state laws before attempting to purchase or own a firearm.
English 
Spanish