Is There DUI Expungement in PA?
Having a DUI record in Pennsylvania can be a major setback when it comes to applying for jobs, submitting rental applications, seeking professional licenses, and pursuing opportunities where a criminal background check is required. While many offenses can’t be erased from a criminal record, some DUI offenses can be, especially in cases where an individual participated in an Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) program.
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program & Expungement in PA
Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) is a court program typically offered to first-time offenders who are unlikely to drive under the influence of alcohol again. After completing an ARD program, a person may be eligible to have his or her DUI record erased, after 10 years.
In Pennsylvania, this process of erasing a criminal record is known as expungement. A DUI expungement in PA effectively erases a person’s DUI record and results in the destruction of paper records, the deletion of computer files, and the striking of court documents relating to a DUI conviction.
DUI Expungement Laws in PA
In Allegheny County, a person can expunge DUI records including non-convictions, such as verdicts of not guilty, dismissals, withdrawal of charges, and ARD; convictions of summary offenses, so long as the defendant has not been arrested or prosecuted for 5 years following the DUI conviction; and parts of plea bargains, including ARD, probation without verdict, and Allegheny Service Institute programs.
If a defendant hasn’t taken part in an ARD program, the process for getting a DUI record expunged can be more difficult. Generally, a DUI offense may be expunged when an individual:
- Reaches 70 years of age and has not been arrested or prosecuted in 10 years following release from incarceration or supervision
- Has been deceased for three or more years
- Petitions a court for the expungement of a summary offense (a minor criminal offense) and has also been free of arrest or prosecution for 5 years following the original conviction.
Following a conviction, a person has to wait years before he or she is eligible for a DUI expungement in PA. The precise amount of time varies depending on a number of factors, including whether the person completed an ARD program. If a person did complete an ARD program, he or she may automatically have his or her ARD records expunged after 10 years.
Our Skilled DUI Expungement Lawyers Can Help You
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in PA and are wondering if you might qualify for a DUI expungement in PA–whether or not you’ve taken part in an ARD program — contact an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney today.
Living with a DUI record can have a major impact on a person’s life. By contacting one of our DUI expungement attorneys you’ll be taking the first steps toward getting your DUI record erased. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC we’ll fight to get your DUI record expunged so that you can return to your life unburdened by a criminal record. For a free, initial consultation, call us at (412) 281-2146.