How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Canada

A lot can happen in life and driving under the influence is no exception. However, you should not forget that it is a serious offense. How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Canada? Even if this has not happened to you, it still makes sense to study this information. In this article, we will tell you all the necessary information you need to know.

What is a Criminal Record?

A criminal record is an entry in the database. This database contains information about a criminal past, and it includes all convictions for which no pardon was issued, all charges, regardless of their decision, outstanding warrants, and charges. A criminal record in Ontario has some purposes: firstly, it serves as a deterrent to others from committing crimes, and secondly, it serves as a way for employers and other members of society to find out the past of their potential employees.

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?

DUI in your driving record can last up to 80 years. That sounds horrible, doesn’t it? Driving under the influence can deprive you of many rights. There is a possibility of losing your job and, in some cases, losing your rights to custody of children or to own firearms. If a person has been caught driving while drunk, he or she must apply for a pardon to avoid serious problems and consequences. However, it can stay forever if a person forgets or does not apply for a pardon. Deciding to drive under the influence or not, think about all the consequences that can seriously affect your whole life.

How to get a DUI pardon?

A Pardon is an application submitted to the Parole Board of Canada to clear your criminal record. There are two situations when you can get a DUI pardon:

• If you are not convicted of driving under the influence, you can apply for the exclusion of this from your record; 
• If you are convicted, you must apply for a pardon if you want that DUI removed from your record.

The complete pardon process will cost you $625, plus you will have to pay other extra costs such as paying the Receiver General $631. After doing this, your pardon will be approved.

In order for the pardon process to go smoothly, you must apply for a pardon with the support of your lawyer. A qualified and experienced lawyer will help to understand the situation and collect all the necessary documents.

How long does it take to get a DUI pardon?

You will have to wait 5 years after paying DUI-related fines if you want to apply for a pardon. However, you can shorten the time for obtaining a pardon. To do this, you need to pay for all your cases as quickly as possible and collect all the important documents before the 5-year period ends. You should understand that the timeline is different in each case. 

How DUI affects criminal and driving record

Driving under the influence charges can affect standard car records and your driver’s license will be suspended. It is still possible to get your driver’s license back after a certain period of time.

However, the record will remain in the DMV. This can make it very difficult to find a driver’s job. Your car insurance costs will also increase significantly. And then, there is always the possibility of facing interrogation by law enforcement agencies.

Does a DUI affect car insurance?

DUI charges may affect your car insurance policy. It means the insurance company will probably want to get rid of you because DUI is a serious violation of the law. Some insurance companies may even reject you as their client. You may also face some problems when extending the validity of the policy.

Can a DUI affect getting a job?

Convictions for driving under the influence appear both when checking the criminal past and when checking the driver’s license. A criminal record for DUI may preclude hiring in certain regulated industries. So, applying for a pardon can save your reputation and give opportunities to go back to normal life.

Does a DUI ruin a life?

The biggest question that most people ask is whether a DUI can ruin a life or not. The first DUI is a misdemeanor, so it will not ruin your life. There will be some minor changes in your driving routine. However, this does not mean that you should not be afraid to commit this offense. 

It is important that you understand the seriousness of having a criminal record and how it will affect your life. If you find yourself in an unpleasant situation when you are charged, you must understand everything that will happen if they are proven.

Is it possible to prevent a DUI from going on a record?

If you find yourself in this situation, the best solution is to consult with a highly qualified lawyer who will help you to fight the charge. The lawyer will be able to examine public records that cover police activity at the time of your arrest and compare them with your testimony. If the lawyer finds certain cases, your case may be terminated. If you do end up with a criminal record for drunk driving, experienced lawyers will tell you what steps you should take to help mitigate the damage to your reputation.

If you find yourself in this situation, or vice versa, you have never encountered such a thing, it is important to know the laws and understand what a DUI is, so as not to panic. DUI charges are very serious and the best thing you can do for yourself and your future is not to drive under the influence.