Local Rehab Shares How Long DUIs Stay on Records

Lexington, KY – Altruism Counseling, a local alcohol addiction treatment center, recently released a blog covering how long DUIs stay on records. With the unfortunate truth behind drunk driving and its commonplace across the country, the rehab center wanted to provide the community with information regarding DUIs.

To start the piece off, the rehab center warns readers about the hefty consequences of getting a DUI. “A DUI can result in heavy fines, a suspended license, difficulty finding employment, and even prison time. Yet despite this, the FBI reports that over 1-in-10 arrests are for DUIs, with more than 1 million people arrested for driving under the influence each year.”

“Each DUI on a record will have more consequences,” the blog explains. “In Kentucky for example, if you already have a DUI on your file, a second DUI can result in up to 30 days in jail. A third can result in more than a year of jail time, and a fourth will be classified as a felony,” it shares, covering the impact on their local community.

To further drive home the point with readers, Altruism Counseling details the financial cost of a DUI – primarily through insurance. According to their research, insurance providers also raise the cost of insurance with a DUI, by 70% on average. They then take the time to explain how a DUI can influence employment opportunities too. This is especially impactful in industries that require travel, driving, or handling alcohol. It can also cause problems with landlords, getting loans from banks, or even cause countries like Mexico and Canada to deny someone entry into the country

Altruism Counseling then goes on to answer one of the most common questions they get, the highlight of the article: How long does a DUI stay on someone’s record. The answer isn’t that straightforward, according to the rehab center.

“How long a DUI will stay on your record will depend on the state the offense was committed in. However, it’s important to first make the distinction between your driving record and your criminal record,” the blog elaborates. Altruism Counseling then takes a moment to differentiate the two. A criminal record only involves criminal offenses and information and documents about them. Criminal offenses can include minor theft, drug charges, and driving convictions, like DUIs.

Readers might want to know if a DUI can impact their driving record. According to Altruism Counseling, it does. “... your driving record focuses only on your specific vehicle-related history. This includes driving convictions, but also things that won’t show up on your criminal record,” they explain. “Minor traffic violations, accident reports, speeding tickets, and parking violations will not typically be included in your criminal record, but all will show up in your driving record.”

The blog then takes the time to break down how long a DUI stays on someone’s record depending on each state. A DUI only stays on someone’s driving record for two years in Ohio, but in Kentucky, it stays for up to five years. Repeated offenses or other complications can cause these periods to be even longer.

“DUI convictions do not “fall off” your record automatically after time passes. This is a common misconception,” the rehab center further clarifies.“You have to wait at least 10 years from the date of the last incident, pay off all of any fees or penalties from the case, and then fill out the appropriate paperwork. This requires an additional processing fee, the amount depending on whether the DUI was classified as a felony.” They then share resources to guide individuals through the process, which readers can find by engaging with the article at the link above.

The article ends with encouragement for anyone with experience with DUIs, or at risk of DUIs, to seek treatment for their alcohol use. Altruism Counseling offers counseling and classes related to DUIs and anger management. They accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and cash payments. Their priority is living up to their name, and helping people without expecting anything in return. Anyone who wants to learn more about their services can visit their website or call them at 859-310-6505.