A DUI/DWI conviction will appear on a criminal background check requested by a prospective employer, landlord, or licensing authority, for example. Generally, the only way to remove a DUI/DWI conviction from appearing in some or all of such background checks is to have it expunged or sealed—which is only possible in limited circumstances.
In Vermont, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction is a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal background check. This can affect an individual's opportunities when it comes to employment, housing, or obtaining certain professional licenses. Vermont law does allow for the expungement or sealing of criminal records, including DUI convictions, under certain conditions. Expungement effectively removes the conviction from the individual's record, while sealing limits who can see the conviction. To qualify for expungement or sealing, specific criteria must be met, such as the passage of a certain amount of time without further legal incidents, and the nature of the offense. The process typically involves petitioning the court, and it may not be available for all DUI/DWI convictions, particularly those involving serious injury or repeat offenses.