Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In Kansas, a DUI stays on your criminal record for life. Kansas law does not allow DUI convictions to automatically drop off after a set number of years. But in some cases, you can request an expungement, a court process that seals the record from public view, after a waiting period. The eligibility for expungement depends on whether it was a first-time or repeat offense and if all sentencing requirements were completed.

How Long a DUI Stays on Record

Once convicted, a DUI becomes part of your permanent criminal record. Unlike traffic violations that may disappear after a few years, a DUI remains unless the court grants an expungement.

• Criminal record – Stays on your record permanently unless expunged.
• Driving record – Affects your driving history for up to 10 years for sentencing and insurance purposes.
• Background checks – Employers, landlords, and agencies can see it unless it’s expunged.

Expungement Eligibility for a DUI in Kansas

You may qualify to have a DUI expunged from your record if you meet specific conditions. The waiting period and eligibility rules depend on whether it was your first or subsequent offense.

• First DUI offense – May be eligible for expungement after five years from completing all court-ordered requirements (fines, probation, classes, etc.).
• Second or later DUI – May require 10 years before expungement eligibility.
• Pending charges or new offenses – Disqualify you from expungement until resolved.

What an Expungement Does

An expungement seals your record from public access, meaning it will not appear on most background checks. But law enforcement and courts can still view it if needed for future cases.

• Removes the conviction from public background searches.
• Restores your ability to legally say you have no DUI conviction in most cases.
• Does not erase the record, it simply makes it inaccessible to the public.

How to Request an Expungement

The process for expunging a DUI in Kansas involves filing a petition with the court where the conviction occurred. You may need an attorney to ensure all documents are properly completed and filed.

• File a petition for expungement with the court.
• Pay filing fees and provide documentation showing completion of all sentence requirements.
• Attend a hearing where the judge reviews your request and decides eligibility.

How a DUI Affects Your Record Over Time

Even if the conviction remains on your criminal record, its effect on your insurance, employment, and license can lessen over time. Most insurance companies use a 10-year lookback period for rate increases, and employers may give more leniency to older convictions.

• Insurance rates – Usually stabilize after 5–10 years.
• Sentencing enhancement – Prior DUIs within 10 years can increase penalties for new offenses.
• Criminal record visibility – Remains permanent unless expunged.

A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently in Kansas, but it can sometimes be expunged after five to ten years depending on the offense. Expungement seals the record from public view, helping you move forward without it showing up on background checks.