Prince George’s County DUI Arrests
Prince George’s County DUI arrests could have a significant number of long-term and short-term consequences on a person’s life. Individuals who have been arrested or are facing an arrest are advised to speak with a knowledgeable DUI attorney to understand their rights. A well-practiced lawyer could review your case and help you fight against your criminal charges.
Public Availability of Arrest Records in PG County
Arrest records are always made available to the public in Prince George’s County. Prince George’s County DUI arrests are public record. At any point in time, a person could go online and see the actual charges. Also, an individual may go to the police station or the courthouse and see the file on the arrest.
It should be noted that mug shots are available to the public. While the records are not published, they are stored in an online system called the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. There, individuals could look up anyone’s name and see any charges they ever received unless it has been expunged.
Consequences of a DUI Arrest
When someone has been arrested for a DUI, they can face immediate consequences. It should be noted that a person could be arrested, charged, and ultimately exonerated if found not guilty. However, being found guilty has certain consequences such as expensive fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension. It could affect career opportunities and housing. A conviction could preclude someone from owning or being around a firearm. There are many far-reaching implications that go along with being found guilty of any criminal offense.
How to Deal With an Arrest Record in Prince George’s County
To deal with an arrest record in PG County, individuals who are not found guilty or who have had their case dismissed have an option to file for what is called expungement. Even if someone were to get the benefit of having a probation before judgment, the probation is expungable after three years for virtually every charge except for DUIs. This one exception to the rule means that a DUI would get stuck with on a person’s arrest record in Prince George’s County.
Since a probation before judgment is not a conviction, a person could answer no if they were asked whether they have ever been convicted of a crime or found guilty. Also, a person would not lose their license or have insurance premiums skyrocket after a probation before judgment since they do not result in points. Only convictions give points to individuals. If someone is acquitted of a DUI and they file for expungement, then the record goes away.
Difference Between Record-Sealing and Expungement
The difference between record-sealing and expungements is that expungements destroy the file. They are gone and erased from existence. If a person’s case has been expunged, then the individual could honestly answer that they have never even been charged with a crime. They could lawfully deny its existence. If a record is sealed, it simply means that it is not open to the public. While it does not go away, sealed records could always be unsealed. If it is expunged, it cannot be un-expunged. A person arrested for a DUI in Prince George’s County should consult a defense attorney about pursuing expungement or record-sealing.
An Accomplished DUI Attorney Could Help Fight a Drunk Driving Arrest
Reach out to a skilled defense lawyer about how to fight Prince George’s County DUI arrests. An experienced attorney could explain who may be able to see a person’s criminal record, the consequences of a having one, and any options an individual could use to deal with the records. Call today to speak with a dedicated lawyer.