Will a DWAI in Colorado show up on a criminal background check?

A DWAI is a charge in Colorado that can be brought if you are driving while impaired by alcohol, even if your BAC does not actually meet or exceed the legal limit. A DWAI, or driving while alcohol impaired, is generally considered to be less serious than a DWI, and your penalties may be less stringent.  However, both are alcohol offenses that will go on your criminal record and that may be viewed in a background check. 

Whether your DWAI shows up on your background check will depend on how extensive the background check is and what the background check is looking for. The recency of your DWAI charge may also impact whether it will show up, as very old charges may not show up on a cursory background check. As a general matter, however, unless you have had your record sealed or expunged, the DWAI charges will show up on a background check. They will also be seen by a judge and law enforcement if you are charged with a subsequent DWI or alcohol related offense. 

To get help understanding how a DWAI will impact your criminal record, or for assistance in dealing with drunk driving charges or DWAI charges, you should consult with a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.