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Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Connecticut can have long-term effects that extend well beyond the initial fines, court appearances, or license suspension. One question that comes up frequently is whether a DUI can be expunged or sealed from a person’s record in Connecticut. While the terminology around “expungement” can vary by state, Connecticut uses a different process known as a pardon—and it plays a similar role in clearing a criminal record.
Understanding this process is essential for anyone looking to move forward after a DUI. While not automatic or guaranteed, Connecticut offers a path for individuals to apply for relief from their criminal record under specific conditions. However, it’s important to note that this process does not apply to driving records, which are maintained separately by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
This post explains how the pardon process works in Connecticut, how it differs from sealing or expungement in other states, and what steps are involved if you’re seeking to have a DUI conviction removed from your criminal record. The goal is to clarify the facts—no legal advice, just informational content for those looking to understand their options.
Connecticut Does Not Offer Traditional Expungement for DUIs
In some states, “expungement” means completely erasing a conviction from public records. In Connecticut, the term expungement is not commonly used in this context. Instead, the state offers a process known as a pardon, which serves a similar purpose but follows a different legal structure.
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in Connecticut, it cannot be removed from your criminal record through automatic expungement. There is no system in place that automatically clears DUI offenses after a certain number of years. This makes Connecticut’s process more deliberate, requiring the individual to take action and meet eligibility requirements.
The only way to remove a DUI from your criminal record in Connecticut is by applying for an absolute pardon through the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This is a formal process that involves an application, supporting documents, and a waiting period. If granted, the pardon effectively removes the DUI from public criminal records.
Understanding Absolute Pardons in Connecticut
An absolute pardon in Connecticut is a form of record erasure. When granted, the offense is removed from public view and no longer appears on background checks run by employers, landlords, or most agencies. However, it does not completely delete all history—the state retains sealed internal records, primarily for use by law enforcement or certain government functions.
To apply for an absolute pardon after a DUI conviction, you must meet several basic conditions:
- Three years must have passed since the completion of your sentence if the DUI was a misdemeanor
- Five years must have passed since the completion of your sentence if the DUI was a felony
- You must have no new convictions during the waiting period
- All sentencing requirements—such as probation, fines, or alcohol education programs—must be fully completed
Once these conditions are met, individuals may submit an application to the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. If approved, the DUI conviction is removed from public criminal databases, and most employers and organizations will no longer see it in background checks.
Sealing DUI Records vs Pardons in Connecticut
Some states allow for “sealing” of records, meaning that the offense remains on file but is hidden from public access. Connecticut does not use this terminology for DUI convictions. Instead, the pardon process functions as both the sealing and expungement equivalent in the state.
It’s important to note that even if you receive an absolute pardon, internal government systems may still retain access to the original conviction. This includes certain law enforcement agencies and, in some cases, federal background checks for specific roles or clearances.
So, while a pardon in Connecticut will remove a DUI from standard background checks, it may still be visible in certain restricted or high-level screenings. This distinction matters especially for individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement, government service, or high-security fields.
The Application Process for a DUI Pardon
Applying for a pardon in Connecticut requires a multi-step process and documentation. The state has made this process more accessible in recent years, but it still requires attention to detail. Here’s what the process generally includes:
- Waiting Period Compliance – Ensure the required years have passed since your sentence ended.
- Gathering Documentation – Collect your criminal history report, letters of reference, and a personal statement.
- Online Application – Submit the application via the Board of Pardons and Paroles ePardons portal.
- Board Review – Your case is reviewed, and in some cases, a hearing may be scheduled.
- Notification – If granted, your DUI conviction is removed from public view in criminal record databases.
The process may take several months, depending on the volume of applications and case complexity. While there is no cost to apply, individuals are responsible for obtaining any required documents.
Does a Pardon Remove a DUI from Your Driving Record?
No. A pardon granted in Connecticut removes the DUI from your criminal record, but it does not affect your driving record maintained by the DMV. These two systems are managed independently, and DMV records have their own retention rules.
In Connecticut, a DUI remains on your driving record for 10 years, regardless of whether you are granted a pardon. This means that insurance companies and certain driving-related employers may still access that information for risk assessment or hiring purposes.
Understanding this difference is key. Even if you are successful in clearing your criminal record, you may still be impacted by the presence of the DUI on your DMV file for several more years—particularly if you apply for positions involving driving or commercial vehicle operations.
How a Pardoned DUI Affects Background Checks
Once a DUI has been pardoned in Connecticut, it is generally no longer visible in most background checks. Employers, landlords, and organizations that run public criminal history checks will not see the pardoned offense. This can open up more job opportunities, improve housing applications, and reduce social stigma.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some federal background checks, high-security government roles, or law enforcement agencies may have access to sealed criminal history records, including pardoned offenses. While rare, it’s important to be aware that a pardon does not guarantee complete invisibility in all scenarios.
For most people, though, receiving an absolute pardon significantly improves their record profile and removes one of the most persistent long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in Connecticut.
FAQ About DUI Expungement and Pardons in Connecticut
Does Connecticut allow DUI expungement?
Not in the traditional sense. Instead of expungement, Connecticut uses a pardon system to erase convictions from public criminal records.
Can I seal a DUI record in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not offer a sealing process for DUIs. The only removal option is an absolute pardon granted by the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles.
How long do I have to wait before applying for a DUI pardon?
You must wait three years after completing your sentence for misdemeanors, and five years for felony DUIs.
Does a pardon erase a DUI from my driving record?
No. The pardon only applies to your criminal record. The DUI will still remain on your DMV record for 10 years from the date of conviction.
Is a pardon guaranteed if I meet the time requirement?
No. Meeting the time requirement is just the first step. Approval is not automatic and depends on your overall application and history.
Will employers see a pardoned DUI in a background check?
In most cases, no. Once pardoned, the DUI is removed from standard criminal background searches.
How much does it cost to apply for a pardon?
There is no fee to apply for a pardon in Connecticut, but you are responsible for gathering and submitting all required documentation.
Conclusion
While Connecticut does not offer traditional DUI expungement or record sealing, the absolute pardon process provides a viable path for those seeking to move forward after a conviction. Once granted, a pardon removes the DUI from public criminal records, helping individuals avoid long-term consequences during background checks for employment, housing, or licensing.
However, it’s important to remember that this process does not affect your DMV driving record, which retains DUI convictions for ten years regardless of the criminal record status. Understanding these separate systems can help you plan the next steps if you’re hoping to reduce the impact of a past DUI in Connecticut.
To learn more about long-term implications, visit our guide to DUI records and long-term impact. For detailed information on duration and visibility, see our post on how long a DUI stays on your record.