In short— FOREVER.

Most drunk driving convictions are misdemeanors. But if there is a serious injury or death involved, it may be a felony crime. Regardless of being a misdemeanor or felony, it is a criminal conviction and will forever burden the person with a criminal record that lasts forever, if he or she is convicted. This record can affect an individual’s life in many ways, including his or her job and chances for future employment.

There is a common misconception that a drunk driving conviction will only remain on your record for five, seven or ten years. The truth is that a drunk driving conviction will remain on your criminal record FOREVER. It will remain there forever for employers, insurance agencies, credit bureaus, and government bodies to see.  Heck, anyone with a computer can put your name in the AOPC website that is open to anyone who has the internet and viola, there is your conviction. And the social stigma does not go away overnight.

So if your license is suspended, you can just move to another state and start all over again?  Nope.

Meet  your Albatross— the National Driver Register

The National Driver Register is a computer database of state motor vehicle agencies’ driving records.  States can easily access negative information about drivers by first and last name and date of birth, not simply driver license or social security number. The DMVs can identify Problem Drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked.

That means, no matter where you go in the United States, your DUI and driving record will follow. So if you are convicted of a DUI, and as a result, your license is suspended or revoked in one state, another state can easily look it up and discover that you should not be issued a license. Not to mention that driving with a suspended or revoked license will often result in the imposition of jail-time, an additional period of suspension and large fines.

Deal with your DUI Charges Seriously.  Call The McShane Firm to protect your freedom and livelihood from sentencing enhancements, increased jail time, the revocation of your license, increased fines and other penalties.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.