When it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating compounds, the laws of Illinois are among the toughest in the nation. Under current state law, DUIs remain on a person’s record for life. Even with decades of clean driving since being guilty of a DUI, a person’s ability to rent housing or obtain employment and promotions can be impacted. House Bill 3934, now under consideration in the state legislature, would alter this longstanding policy.

How Would House Bill 3934 Change Current Law?

Previous legislative efforts to seal or expunge DUI offenses have floundered under opposition from the Illinois Secretary of State. In the past, any DUI on your record would remain for life with no exceptions. The proposed bill, instead, creates a process for sealing a single DUI offense if at least 10 years pass and you have a clean record otherwise.

How Does the Bill Propose To Seal a DUI Conviction?

The legislation becomes law with passage by both chambers of the state legislature and the governor’s signature. If enacted, Illinois residents with a DUI on their record would need to meet five strict requirements to have their record sealed:

1. No other DUI convictions or supervision pleas
2. At least 10 years must have passed since the completion of the DUI sentence
3. The DUI incident must not have directly caused the death or injury of another person
4. No other felony or misdemeanor driving convictions on the person’s driving abstract
5. A judge’s finding that the person has not committed another DUI or entered a plea agreement to a lesser charge

The consequences of a DUI conviction are severe, including a revocation of your driving privileges. The Nold Law Firm has built a reputation of effectively defending the rights of persons accused of driving under the influence. If you live in northern Illinois and need our services, we invite you to contact us.