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Anyone convicted of a DUI will likely wonder what the consequences of it will be. Will they lose their license? Go to jail? A DUI conviction can impact a person’s life in many negative ways. Many states categorize a DUI as a criminal offense, meaning it will always show up on a background check. While New Jersey state law operates differently, there are still many negative repercussions of a drunk driving conviction. For legal representation and advice speak with a Mercer County DUI lawyer.
Is Driving Under the Influence a Criminal Offense in NJ?
Unlike many other states, drunk or intoxicated driving is not technically a criminal offense in New Jersey. It is considered a traffic offense, and sometimes a quasi-criminal offense. This means that although it is not a criminal charge the penalties associated with these cases are similar to those of criminal cases.
When convicted of a DUI in New Jersey you can face fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory drug and alcohol classes, and more. Although these consequences can be severe a major difference between a DUI case and a criminal case is that someone charged with a DUI is not entitled to a trial by jury. A judge will decide on a ruling alone.
Does a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?
Because driving under the influence is not a criminal offense the conviction will not appear on any criminal background check. Background checks are organized by information in criminal databases like the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). Since DUIs are traffic offenses they are not reported to the NCIC and will not appear in a criminal background check. However, a conviction will appear on your NJ driving record.
It is important to note that a DUI can lead to criminal charges depending on aggravating factors. For example, if your intoxicated driving results in the death of a person you could be charged with manslaughter. If there was a minor in the car when you were driving under the influence you could be charged with child endangerment. These subsequent criminal charges will show up on a background check.
How Can an Intoxicated Driving Conviction Impact Your Job?
While employers will not find your DUI conviction during a background check, they may be made aware of it in other ways. Certain careers have standards enforced by a licensing board. If you work as a nurse, doctor, teacher, driver, pilot, lawyer, etc. you may be required to report your DUI conviction. This information could result in a board deciding to suspend or rescind your license to perform your job.
How Long Do DUIs Stay on Your Driving Record?
DUIs do appear on your driving record and can never be expunged in New Jersey. Regardless of any action or request from yourself or an attorney a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record permanently.
Because of the permanence and severity of a DUI charge, it is important to be properly represented in court. Contact a knowledgeable DUI attorney for more information today.
