DUI Expungement in Georgia

What is DUI expungement, and is it possible in Georgia?

DUI expungement is the process of legally erasing a past DUI conviction from an individual’s criminal record. This process can be beneficial for those seeking employment, housing, or security clearances. In Georgia, it is possible to have a DUI expunged. Generally, a person can apply to have their DUI expunged if they have complied with the conditions of probation or served their sentence in full. The minimum waiting period for an expungement is five years from the date of conviction.

What are the eligibility criteria for DUI expungement in Georgia?

In order to be eligible for DUI expungement in Georgia, the individual must meet the following criteria:

1. The individual must have been found not guilty or have had the charge dismissed.

2. The individual must not have any other convictions on their record other than minor traffic violations.

3. The individual must not have been convicted of any other felony or misdemeanor in the past five years.

4. The individual must have completed all court-mandated programs and paid all fines associated with the DUI charge.

5. The individual’s license must be valid and the individual must not have any suspensions or revocations on their record.

6. The individual must wait 5 years after the completion of probation before filing for expungement.

Is there a waiting period before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Georgia?

Yes, there is a waiting period before someone can apply for DUI expungement in Georgia. The waiting period is a minimum of five years from the date of conviction or completion of the sentence, whichever is later.

What types of DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement in Georgia?

In Georgia, most misdemeanor DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement. However, felony DUI convictions typically cannot be expunged.

Are there specific conditions or rehabilitation programs required for expungement eligibility in Georgia?

Georgia has no explicit expungement eligibility requirements. However, in order for an individual to be eligible for expungement, they must not have any open cases or pending charges, and they must not have been convicted of any felony or serious misdemeanor in the past five years. Additionally, an individual must not have had any expungement petitions denied in the past five years. Generally, individuals must complete all court-mandated sentences or rehabilitation programs before being eligible for expungement.

How does someone initiate the DUI expungement process in Georgia?

In order to initiate the DUI expungement process in Georgia, an individual must first submit a petition for expungement to their local Superior Court. The petition should include information about the DUI charge(s), conviction(s), and sentencing information. After filing the petition, an individual must appear before a judge for a hearing in order to argue their case for expungement. If the judge finds that the person meets all of the requirements for expungement, they will issue an Order of Expungement which will be sent to all relevant law enforcement agencies to have the record expunged.

What documentation or evidence is needed when applying for expungement in Georgia?

When applying for expungement in Georgia, applicants must provide documents and evidence to support their request. Depending on the type of expungement and the jurisdiction, documentation may include:
* A copy of the official court order or document that proves the court granted the expungement.
* A current criminal history report or record from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) that shows the record has been expunged.
* Proof that the charge was dismissed or that a not guilty verdict was delivered.
* Evidence that all court fees and fines have been paid in full.
* Any necessary written authorization to obtain information from law enforcement agencies.
* Any applicable documents required by the court, such as a written petition for expungement and a statement of facts.

Are there fees associated with filing for DUI expungement in Georgia?

Yes, there are fees associated with filing for DUI expungement in Georgia. The filing fee is $150. If the court orders the expungement, the applicant must also pay a fee of $25 to the Georgia Crime Information Center for processing the expungement.

Can individuals with multiple DUI convictions apply for expungement in Georgia?

No, individuals with multiple DUI convictions are not eligible to apply for expungement in Georgia. DUI convictions are considered misdemeanors and Georgia does not allow for the expungement of any type of misdemeanor conviction.

Does expungement result in the complete removal of the DUI record, or is it sealed in Georgia?

In Georgia, expungement results in the complete removal of the DUI record, meaning the record will no longer be available to the public or appear on background checks.

How do employers, landlords, and background check companies view expunged DUI records in Georgia?

The expungement of a DUI record in Georgia prohibits employers, landlords, and background check companies from seeing or using the record in any way. In Georgia, expunged DUI records are deemed confidential and are not released to the public, meaning that employers, landlords, and background check companies will not have access to them.

Is there a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Georgia?

Yes, there is a difference between expungement and setting aside a DUI conviction in Georgia. Expungement, or record restriction, is a process that seals the record from public view while a set-aside restores all rights and privileges that were taken away due to the DUI conviction. The set-aside does not remove the conviction from one’s record, however, it can be used to demonstrate that the conviction has been disposed of and is no longer current.

Can expunged DUI records be used against an individual in future DUI cases in Georgia?

No, expunged DUI records cannot be used against an individual in future DUI cases in Georgia. According to Georgia law, expunged records are not available for use in any criminal or civil court proceedings.

Do expunged DUI records affect professional licensing or certifications in Georgia?

In most cases, expunged DUI records in Georgia will not affect professional licensing or certifications. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if a professional certification or licensing board has access to criminal records that may include expunged DUIs, they may be able to consider that information when making a decision. Additionally, if a professional certification or licensing board specifically asks about expunged DUI records, the applicant must answer truthfully and provide the relevant information.

Are there any restrictions on firearm ownership after DUI expungement in Georgia?

Yes. In Georgia, individuals with a prior DUI conviction or expunged DUI conviction are prohibited from possessing firearms unless they have been pardoned or had their rights to possess firearms restored by the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Is there a waiting period for expungement to take effect after approval in Georgia?

Yes. After being approved, an expungement order must be served on the arresting agency within 30 days. It typically takes up to 60 days for the record to be expunged from all government databases after the order is served.

What role does the court or prosecutor play in the DUI expungement process in Georgia?

In Georgia, a court or prosecutor does not have any formal role in the DUI expungement process. However, the court or prosecutor may object to the expungement and the court may consider that objection when deciding whether or not to grant the expungement. Additionally, the prosecutor may have to sign off on a motion to expunge a DUI or related criminal record.

Are there resources or organizations that provide guidance on DUI expungement in Georgia?

Yes, there are resources and organizations that provide guidance on DUI expungement in Georgia. The Georgia State Bar’s Expungement Resource Center is a great resource for individuals seeking assistance with expungement of DUI records. Additionally, the Georgia Justice Project provides free resources and legal advice for individuals seeking to expunge their DUI records in Georgia. Finally, the Georgia Access to Justice Commission provides resources and information on legal assistance for low-income individuals facing DUI charges and potential expungement.

What is the timeline for completing the DUI expungement process in Georgia?

The timeline for completing a DUI expungement in Georgia varies depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case. Generally, the process can take anywhere from three to eight months. All DUI expungements must be initiated by filing a petition with the court in the county where the conviction occurred. After that, hearings may be required, and the court may consider additional evidence to determine whether to grant the expungement.

How does DUI expungement impact immigration status, if applicable in Georgia?

In general, DUI convictions can have a negative impact on immigration status. A DUI conviction may cause an immigrant to be placed in removal proceedings or to be denied an immigration visa.

However, in Georgia, DUI expungement does not automatically restore or improve an immigrants’ immigration status. DUI expungement can help to mitigate the negative consequences of a DUI conviction, but it may not be enough to erase all the consequences of the conviction from the perspective of U.S. immigration law. An immigrant who has been convicted of a DUI should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss their particular situation and explore all available options for improving their immigration status.