The moment the handcuffs click shut, the same question flashes through everyone’s mind: Is my life over? You’re worried about your job, your family, and your reputation. You’re wondering if this one mistake, this one night, is going to haunt you for the rest of your life.
At Maronick Law, we believe one mistake shouldn't define your future. But to protect that future, you need the cold, hard facts. Maryland’s laws regarding DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) records are some of the toughest in the country. They are designed to be permanent, but recent legal shifts in 2024 and 2025 have opened up new lifelines that didn't exist before.
If you are asking, How long does a DUI stay on my record?, the answer depends entirely on which record you’re talking about and how aggressively you fight the charge from day one.
1. The MVA Driving Record: Points and Public View
Your Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) record is the one your insurance company and the Department of Transportation care about. It tracks your fitness as a driver.
- The Point System (The 2-Year Clock): When you are convicted of a DUI in Maryland, the MVA assesses 12 points against your license. A DWI conviction results in 8 points. Under Maryland law, these points stay active for two years from the date of the violation. If you hit 8 to 11 points, the MVA will move to suspend your license; 12 points triggers a revocation.
- The Public Record (The 3-Year Insurance Window): While points technically expire after two years, they don't vanish from sight. Insurance companies typically pull a 3-year certified record. This means that even if your points are no longer active, an insurer can see the conviction for at least three years, which is why your premiums often stay high long after the court case is over.
- The Permanent MVA Entry: Here is the tough truth: alcohol-related driving entries stay on your MVA record permanently. Maryland does not delete DUI convictions from your driving history. This permanent record is what prosecutors and judges use to see if you are a repeat offender if you ever get pulled over again 10 or 20 years down the line.
Similar Post: How Can a Maryland DUI Lawyer Help Me Avoid Jail Time for a First Offense?
2. The Criminal Record: The Scarlet Letter of Background Checks
Your criminal record is what shows up when a potential employer, landlord, or professional licensing board runs a background check. This is where a DUI can do the most damage to your career.
- DUI Convictions are Permanent: In Maryland, if you are found guilty and a conviction is entered on your record, it is there for life. Maryland is one of the few states that prohibits the expungement of DUI convictions. No matter how much time passes, if you are convicted, that record cannot be cleaned or hidden. This is why we fight so aggressively to avoid a conviction in the first place.
- The PBJ (Probation Before Judgment) Exception: For many first-time offenders, we strive for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). A PBJ means the judge finds enough evidence to convict you but strikes the conviction and puts you on probation instead. Technically, a PBJ is not a conviction.
- The New 15-Year Expungement Rule (2026 Update): Until recently, even a PBJ stayed on your criminal record forever. However, thanks to landmark legislation that took effect in late 2024 and 2025, DUI PBJs are now eligible for expungement.
- The Catch: You must wait 15 years after you successfully complete your probation.
- The Condition: You must not have been convicted of any other crimes (other than minor traffic tickets) during that 15-year wait.
3. Maryland Judiciary Case Search: The Internet Record
Even if you aren't convicted, the mere fact that you were charged used to be a matter of public record on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website forever.
- Automatic Removal for Favorable Outcomes: As of 2026, Maryland law has become more protective of privacy for those who weren't convicted. If your lawyer successfully gets your case dismissed, gets a not guilty verdict, or the state enters a nolle prosequi (drops the charges), that record is now eligible for automatic removal from the public website after three years. However, an aggressive criminal defense lawyer can file a petition to have it removed immediately upon the conclusion of the case.
Similar Post: What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Ocean City?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I ever get a DUI conviction off my record in Maryland? A: No. If you are convicted (found guilty and sentenced), that record is permanent. This is why it is critical to hire a powerhouse legal team before you go to court. We fight to ensure you are never convicted in the first place.
Q: I got a PBJ ten years ago. Can I expunge it now? A: Not yet. Under the new 15-year rule, you must wait until 15 years have passed since you finished your probation. If you finished probation in 2016, you would be eligible to file for expungement in 2031.
Q: Will a Maryland DUI show up on background checks in other states? A: Yes. Maryland shares data with the National Driver Register and the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. A DUI in Maryland will follow you to Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and beyond. It can also prevent you from entering certain countries, like Canada.
Q: What is the Unit Rule in Maryland expungement? A: This is a trap many people fall into. If you are charged with a DUI and a related crime (like Reckless Driving) in the same incident, and you are convicted of either one, you cannot expunge the other. You can only expunge a record if every charge from that incident is eligible.
Q: Does Probation Before Judgment show up on a background check? A: Yes, until it is expunged. While it is not a conviction, an employer will see that you were charged and granted probation. However, many employers view a PBJ much more favorably than a conviction.
Why You Need Maronick Law Right Now
When the clock is ticking on your future, you don't need a lawyer who just handles cases. You need a team that attacks them.
At Maronick Law, we know that the best way to handle a permanent record is to prevent it from ever being created. We scrutinize every detail of your stop, from the calibration of the breathalyzer to the officer’s body cam footage, to find the leverage needed to get your charges dropped or reduced to a PBJ.
We are your advocates, your guides, and your go-to resource. We treat every client like our most important client because we know that for you, this isn't just a case, it’s your life.
- ★★★★★
I recently had Mr. Maronick represent me for my first DUI case. I was very nervous about it because of the results of the DUI incident. The outcome that I was initially looking at was jail time, high fines and a license suspension. He got me out of jail time, I got probation, and the fines were thrown out. All I ended up having to pay were court costs. He really did his job, and I am very appreciative of that. I highly recommend him to be hired for your DUI case or any others you may have.
Myeshia - ★★★★★
Late last year I found myself in a position that I clearly had no ability to get out of on my end. Yes, you guessed it right I caught a DUI. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed I immediately put those feelings to the side and contacted the Maronick Law Firm. From the initial consultation, Tom made me feel at ease about my situation and instructed me on everything to do before my court date I ended up getting the DUI charge dropped to a PB - no points on my license or charges on my record, just a fine and 2yrs probation. To anyone going through a similar scenario, I highly recommend you reach out to the Maronick Law Firm.
Brandon See All Client Reviews
Don't let a mistake today become a permanent shadow on your future. We are available 24/7, including weekends, to start fighting for you.
Facing DUI Charges in Towson or Elsewhere in Maryland? Take Action Now
- Call Our 24/7 Hotline: Dial 443-551-2747 immediately. We have offices across the state, from Baltimore to Ocean City, and we are ready to take your call right now.
- Request Your Free Case Evaluation Online: Fill out our online contact form. Tell us what happened, and one of our seasoned Maryland DUI attorneys will reach out to you shortly to discuss your defense strategy.
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Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.