Can a Connecticut DUI Ever Be Expunged or Erased?

 Posted on August 22, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

There are many collateral consequences to a DUI conviction, many of which last for years after you have paid the legal penalties. The lasting mark left on your criminal record from a DUI conviction can impact employment opportunities, housing, insurance rates, professional licensing, and more.

If you are facing these consequences from a DUI in Connecticut (§ 14-227a), you may be wondering whether you can have your record expunged or erased. The answer to that question depends on several factors and is unique to each case. It can be highly beneficial for you to consult with a knowledgeable Stamford, CT, criminal defense attorney to determine your path forward.

Judicial Consequences of DUI

A first DUI conviction in Connecticut can result in up to two years of probation, up to six months in jail (which can usually be avoided through participation in the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP), a mandatory 45-day license suspension, and fines and fees. In some cases, participation in a substance abuse program may be required. Subsequent DUI offenses have increasingly severe penalties.

Collateral Consequences of a Connecticut DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction can result in increased insurance rates or the requirement to obtain SR-22 insurance. The average increase in Connecticut for insurance rates is between 79 and 132 percent. After a DUI, a driver is classified as a high-risk driver, making it much more difficult to obtain affordable insurance. The SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, or proof that you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. SR-22s are more expensive than standard insurance policies and also have a filing fee.

A DUI can result in the loss of a current job, particularly if it involves driving. When looking for another job, many employers will not hire a person with a DUI, since most jobs require a valid driver’s license and a background check. Many jobs that require a professional license could be jeopardized or revoked due to a DUI conviction. Some countries, including Canada, deny entry to those with a DUI conviction, which can limit travel options.

Some public benefits may be lost following a DUI conviction, and university students can face suspension or expulsion as a result of a DUI conviction. Those who rely on federal grants and loans to attend college may find it impossible to access these financial aid options following a DUI. For non-U.S. citizens, a DUI conviction can lead to deportation.  

Can a DUI Conviction Be Erased or Expunged in Connecticut?

Prior to the Clean Slate Act, which became effective on January 1, 2023, a DUI remained on an individual’s record for 10 years, negatively affecting insurance rates for at least three to five years. If the individual has remained crime-free, the Clean Slate Act erases misdemeanors seven years after the conviction and felonies ten years after the conviction.

While a DUI conviction cannot be erased under standard erasure law, it can be cleared through an absolute or provisional pardon. A DUI can be erased automatically when:

• The court dismisses the charges.
• A diversionary program is successfully completed.
• The prosecutor enters a "nolle prosequi" (case dropped).

An absolute pardon is an alternative to expungement, as it completely erases the conviction from your record. A provisional pardon allows an individual to show rehabilitation for employment purposes. To obtain a pardon, the individual must apply to the Board of Pardons and Paroles after a three-year waiting period for misdemeanor DUI and a five-year waiting period for felony DUI.

All terms of the sentence and probation must be completed. The individual must have maintained a clean record with no further convictions or arrests and complete an application form, accompanied by a certified copy of his or her conviction record, a personal statement, and three character references.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT DUI Lawyer

If you are dealing with the long-term consequences of a DUI in Connecticut, you may still have options moving forward. An experienced Stamford, CT criminal defense attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can evaluate your case, determine your eligibility, and help you pursue the best possible outcome. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.