How to Find Out If Someone Has a DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor criminal charge that can escalate to felony charges for repeat offenders. Finding out whether someone has ever been charged with DUI may be difficult, if not impossible. A DUI conviction, however, is a matter of public record in all U.S. states. Use these tips to determine if someone you know has a DUI conviction.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer and Internet connection
- Access to a courthouse in the jurisdiction where the offense occurred
- The first, last and possibly middle names of the individual
- The individual's Social Security number, if available
Instructions
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Check to see if your state makes criminal records available online. One place to start is your state attorney general's office. From there, you can pinpoint the local commonwealth's attorney or district attorney representing the jurisdiction where the alleged DUI occurred. You must know the city, county and state where you suspect the individual was charged and convicted in order to be able to search for the criminal record.
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Enter the first, middle and last name of the person you are checking in an online criminal database, plus the state and locality where the conviction occurred. You'll need the same information if going to the courthouse that has jurisdiction over the locality where the DUI conviction took place. A Social Security number wil help ensure an exact match for common names.
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If your state doesn't have online criminal databases and visiting the courthouse isn't practical, you can pay an online research service about $30 for a complete criminal background check on a specific individual. The price usually includes all known addresses going back 10 years, as well as any civil judgments against the individual.
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Hire a private investigator if money is no concern. Investigators may be able to learn with a phone call what would take you a daylong drive to the courthouse to find out. A private investigator also adds a layer of anonymity between you and the person you are investigating.
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Tips & Warnings
In most states, a DUI record is both permanent and public record. It is virtually impossible to expunge the record. Some states also keep records of people charged, though not necessarily convicted, of DUI.
