How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Arizona? | Phoenix DUI Lawyer Explains the Law

Added: 2026-04-30

[00:00:00]Getting arrested for driving under the influence can create serious concerns about your future. Whether the charge appears on paperwork as a DUI, DWI, or OWI, you likely want to know how long this offense will affect your life. The answer depends on what type of record you're asking about and where you live.

[00:00:19]A drunk driving conviction can show up in different places, including your criminal history and your driving record. Each type of record follows different rules about how long the offense stays visible. Understanding these timelines helps you plan for challenges with employment, insurance costs, and other parts of your daily life. In Arizona, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. This applies to both misdemeanor DUI and felony DUI offenses.

[00:00:47]The conviction does not automatically disappear after a set number of years.

[00:00:52]Your driving record works differently than your criminal record. A DUI typically stays on your driving record for 5 to 7 years. However, your criminal record keeps the conviction indefinitely unless you take legal action.

[00:01:07]Arizona uses lookback periods to determine if you qualify as a repeat offender. The DUI lookback period in Arizona is 7 years. This washout period means prosecutors can use any prior offense from the past 7 years to enhance charges and increase penalties for a new DUI. You may petition the court to seal your DUI record after meeting certain requirements. This can reduce the impact on background checks for employment and housing. The lookback period for criminal penalties differs from how long the conviction appears on your criminal record. Arizona does not allow traditional expungement of DUI convictions. You cannot completely erase the conviction from your record.

[00:01:48]However, you can request to have your DUI conviction set aside after meeting specific requirements. A set aside changes the status of your conviction.

[00:01:58]It shows that you completed your sentence and the court has released you from the judgment of guilt. This differs from an expunged record, which removes the conviction entirely. If you're facing DUI charges, talking to a defense attorney right away is important. A DUI lawyer knows how to review your case and find ways to challenge the charges against you. An experienced DUI attorney can look at the evidence the police collected. They can check if the traffic stop was legal and if the testing was done correctly. This review can make a big difference in your case. Contact a DUI defense attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your rights. Contact Phoenix DUI Lawyer Attorneys at Law at 602-900-9891 to discuss your situation. Our criminal law team provides strong defense strategies for DUI cases throughout Arizona.