Can I Have My DUI Expunged?

A DUI conviction in Oklahoma can follow you for years, affecting employment opportunities, educational prospects, housing applications, and more. Thankfully, under Oklahoma law, certain DUI offenses may be eligible for expungement, offering a second chance to clear your record and move forward.

At Cannon & Associates, we have over 30 years of experience handling DUI cases, and we have helped many of our clients get their records expunged. Our law firm has seen how having a permanent record can seriously impact your life, and we want to help you start fresh and get a clean record. We offer a free consultation for you to speak with our DUI lawyers about your case with no strings attached. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at 405-591-3935.

What Is DUI Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of sealing your criminal record from public view. Once expunged, your DUI case—including court documents, police records, and related filings—will no longer appear in background checks conducted by most employers, landlords, or schools. However, some government agencies and law enforcement can still access the record.

It’s important to understand that your driving record is separate. Even if your criminal DUI is expunged, the offense can remain on your driving record with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for up to 10 years.

Types of DUI Expungement in Oklahoma

There are two main types of expungement for DUI convictions in Oklahoma:

Section 991(c) Expungement

This is a partial expungement available to individuals who received a deferred sentence for their DUI. A deferred sentence typically involves probation, and if completed successfully, the case can be dismissed. With a 991(c) expungement, the record is sealed from public access but still visible to courts and law enforcement. Your record will reflect a dismissed criminal case.

Section 18 Expungement

Section 18 provides for full expungement, meaning the DUI is completely removed from your criminal record. You can legally state that you’ve never been convicted or charged with DUI. This is the most comprehensive expungement available but comes with stricter eligibility requirements and longer waiting periods.

Who Qualifies for DUI Expungement?

Eligibility for expungement depends on the type of conviction, sentencing, and your prior criminal history. Common qualifying scenarios include:

  • Deferred sentence for DUI: Eligible for expungement one year after the sentence ends, if there are no prior felony convictions or pending charges.

  • First-time misdemeanor conviction: Eligible after five years if the sentence involved jail time or a suspended sentence.

  • Misdemeanor with a fine under $500: Eligible immediately after paying all court costs and fines.

  • Felony DUI with a suspended sentence: Eligible after five years, assuming no prior felony convictions in the last seven years.

  • Felony DUI with prison time: Eligible five years after completing the sentence.

  • Felony DUI with a previous felony conviction: May be eligible after ten years, as long as the prior offense wasn’t violent or a sex crime requiring registration.

You must also be current on all court fees, fines, and restitution. Any unpaid balance can block your expungement eligibility.

    How Long Does DUI Expungement Take in Oklahoma?

    Once you’re eligible and file a petition, expungement typically takes about six weeks for most misdemeanor cases. Felony expungements often take longer due to their complexity and additional review requirements. The timeline can also depend on the specific court’s docket and the responsiveness of all involved agencies.

    What Happens to My Driving Record?

    While expungement affects your criminal record, it does not erase the DUI from your driving record. After a DUI arrest, your license is immediately impacted. To contest a license suspension, you must request an administrative hearing within 15 days of your arrest. Failing to do so results in an automatic suspension of at least six months.

    This administrative hearing is separate from your criminal case. During the hearing, an officer will consider testimony and evidence from both sides to decide whether your license should be reinstated. Even if your criminal case is dismissed or expunged, the administrative license penalties can still apply.

    Why Expungement Matters

    A DUI conviction doesn’t have to define your future. Expungement allows you to move forward without the burden of a criminal record hanging over your head. With the right legal strategy, you can clean your slate and take back control of your personal and professional life.

    Can I Have My DUI Expunged in Oklahoma?

    Being convicted of driving under the influence in Oklahoma can have a huge impact on your life. With a criminal conviction, your life can be massively impacted. You could face difficulty getting hired, applying for education, applying for public housing, and much more. In addition, you may have your license suspended for an indefinite amount of time and have a permanent driving record.

    By getting a DUI expungement, you can clear your DUI offense off your criminal record and start a new chapter. Nobody wants to have a one-time mistake engrained on their record for the rest of their life, which is why we are here to help you get your record expunged.

    At Cannon & Associates, we have helped many clients get their criminal DUI offenses expunged from their records. Our lawyers are highly skilled in criminal law, and we have handled many DUI expungement cases. We have also helped clients expunge their records for related offenses such as reckless driving and similar traffic offenses.

    Our priority is to ensure that your life is not ruined by a criminal record, and we want to help you move on. Our law firm offers a free consultation for you to discuss your case with our lawyers with no strings attached.

    Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 405-591-3935.

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