If you have recently been arrested and booked for a DUI, you may be wondering who can access your booking information and what steps you can take to protect your future. A DUI arrest record in Greenville can have long-term consequences, even if you were never convicted. In South Carolina, an arrest record, including an incident report, fingerprint card, traffic ticket, and breath-test results, can remain a public record under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
As a former prosecutor and municipal judge, Christopher L. Jones understands how local agencies handle these records and how to protect your name and future. Contact Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, today to consult with a DUI lawyer and learn your legal options.
Who Can See Your DUI Arrest Record and Why It Matters
Even if you were never convicted of a DUI in Greenville, your arrest record may still be visible to the public. This means your record can be accessed by:
- Employers
- Professional licensing board
- Landlords
- Insurance underwriters
- College admissions committees
- Media outlets
Even without a conviction, the long-term consequences of an arrest can take hold. You may be required to disclose your DUI arrest on a job application. In addition, it could impact your driver’s license status, lead to ignition interlock requirements, or result in financial consequences.
Can a DUI Arrest Record Be Expunged in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, DUI convictions cannot be expunged. However, if your charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to have your arrest record expunged. This is the case so long as there are no accompanying convictions, such as an open container ticket, that would prevent removal from your record.
To pursue expungement, you must obtain a Final Disposition Form from the clerk of court, complete an expungement application through the solicitor’s office, pay statutory fees, and be prepared for a processing period that may take several months. For help expunging your DUI arrest record, contact a Greenville attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Record
Working with a criminal defense lawyer is an effective way to protect your record from becoming a long-term liability. A lawyer could intervene early to fight for a dismissal of charges or a not-guilty verdict, suppress roadside video footage of the arrest, and prevent public exposure of your case whenever possible.
It is important to act fast because, in many Greenville cases, DUI arrest information is uploaded to the public index within 24 hours. A proactive defense strategy could limit this exposure and help safeguard your future in employment, education, and housing.
Learn More About DUI Arrest Records from a Greenville Lawyer
No matter the situation, hiring an attorney could be helpful in protecting your future. As a former prosecutor, Christopher L. Jones understands the legal system and could guide you through the steps that follow your DUI arrest. If expungement is an option in your case, you can discuss ways to prevent your past from influencing the entirety of your future. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your legal options and DUI arrest records in Greenville.
