Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense, and a felony DUI can have lifelong consequences. In Georgia, a felony DUI is defined as a DUI conviction that is a person’s fourth or subsequent DUI offense within ten years or a DUI that results in serious injury or death. If you have been convicted of a felony DUI in Georgia, you may be wondering if it is possible to get it expunged from your record. While expungement is possible in some cases, there are significant challenges to getting a felony DUI expunged in Georgia.
Expungement in Georgia
Expungement is the process of sealing or destroying a criminal record. In Georgia, expungement is not available for all criminal offenses. Only certain offenses, such as juvenile offenses or certain first-time offenses, can be expunged. Unfortunately, felony DUIs are not eligible for expungement in Georgia.
Pardon in Georgia
Another way to clear your criminal record is through a pardon. A pardon is an act of forgiveness that eliminates some or all of the legal consequences of a criminal conviction. In Georgia, the Board of Pardons and Paroles is responsible for reviewing pardon applications. While a pardon can help clear your record, it is not a guarantee, and the process can be lengthy and difficult.
Factors that Affect a Pardon Decision
The Board of Pardons and Paroles will review a variety of factors when considering a pardon application for a felony DUI conviction. These factors can include:
- The severity of the crime
- The length of time since the conviction
- The person’s criminal history
- The person’s employment history and community involvement
- The person’s personal circumstances, such as their health or family situation
- The board will also consider the victim’s wishes, as well as the input of law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney.
It’s important to note that a felony DUI conviction can have a significant impact on many aspects of your life beyond your criminal record. For example, a felony DUI conviction can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and even obtain a loan or credit. It can also impact your ability to maintain a driver’s license and can lead to higher insurance premiums.
Given the severity of the consequences, it’s essential to take proactive steps to prevent a DUI conviction in the first place. This can include seeking the help of a substance abuse treatment program or working with an attorney to defend against DUI charges. If you do receive a DUI charge, it’s important to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney to help minimize the impact on your life.
While it may be challenging to get a felony DUI expunged in Georgia, there are options available such as a pardon that may be worth exploring. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind the potential long-term consequences of a felony DUI conviction and take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.
At Willis Law Firm, we understand that facing a felony DUI conviction in Georgia can be an overwhelming and challenging experience. We are committed to helping our clients navigate this difficult process and find the best possible legal solutions. We can explore various legal strategies, such as seeking a pardon or negotiating reduced charges or penalties, to minimize the impact of a felony DUI conviction on your record and your life.
Our experienced attorneys can provide support and guidance throughout the entire legal process, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and advocating on your behalf. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients and to ensure that their rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
If you are facing a felony DUI conviction in Georgia, we are here to help. Contact Willis Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with the challenges of getting a felony DUI expunged in Georgia cases.
