A driving under the influence (DUI) infraction can result in numerous inconvenient consequences. Those convicted of a DUI may temporarily lose their driver’s licenses. They may have to serve time and state facilities and pay fines.
They may find that their criminal record affects their professional opportunities and possibly even their ability to continue their education. In some cases, those accused of previously breaking the law can ask the courts to seal or expunge the record of their prior criminal activity. Someone with a DUI on their record might be able to seal or expunge that offense so that it does not turn up in a search of public records.
How do people qualify for DUI expungement in Pennsylvania?
By participating in a special program
Those hoping to expunge the record of a DUI may want to participate in an Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition Program (ARD). Those facing a first DUI offense and those whose prior DUI offenses are more than 10 years old may qualify for the ARD program.
Instead of pleading guilty to the offense, the defendant undergoes education, randomized drug and alcohol screening, probation, and a temporary license suspension as part of their rehabilitation efforts. Those who successfully complete ARD programs do not have to go to jail and can expunge the record of their arrest and charge later.
By avoiding all other criminal offenses
Without participating in an ARD program to avoid an outright conviction, expunging a DUI can actually be relatively difficult. In many cases, people become eligible for a DUI expungement when they reach 70 years of age and have avoided arrest or prosecution for at least 10 years prior.
Other times, people can petition the courts to expunge their DUI records. They typically need to have avoided arrest and prosecution for at least five years after their prior conviction. The DUI usually needs to be a basic charge without aggravating factors, as such expungements are only available for minor or summary offenses. For many people, fighting a DUI charge or completing an ARD program is easier than trying to expunge the record of a conviction later.
At the end of the day, understanding what the expungement process entails can help people choose the best response to DUI charges and the best path forward when dealing with a prior DUI record.