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DUI is a criminal offense and the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) maintains records of individuals that have been convicted of driving under the influence. These records include information about a person's arrest, detention, trial, conviction and sentencing in a DUI criminal offense. These reports remain in the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles' computer systems for several years after conviction. The retention of DUI records also depends on the specific jurisdiction and facts of the case. However, they always remain permanently on a person's criminal record. Current and prospective employers of a person have access to DUI records to verify if the applicant has had a history of DUI. Schools, licensing agencies and military organizations can also access DUI records. When a university accesses a person's DUI records, they may choose not to accept them for a program or prohibit them from other opportunities. An insurance company may increase premiums, cancel a person's coverage or refuse to provide insurance to a person altogether, if he is found to have a previous DUI record. California has a statewide DUI reporting system. Convictions for DUI remain on file for 7 years from the date of violation. Failure to appear in court for DUI offenses is retained for 10 years from the violation date. Revocation due to a DUI is reported for 3 years from the date of termination. New licensees are always reviewed for prior DUI offenses in other states also. Records show that 183,955 drivers were arrested for DUI in 2000 and 131,271 in 2001. The Department of Motor Vehicles in California began microfilming all documents in 1992. This has increased the accessibility of these records and it is possible for parties interested in looking up a person's DUI record to trace the records back to 1976. |