Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, and if you’ve been charged with DUI, you probably have many questions on your mind. One of the most common questions people ask is how long a DUI will stay on their record in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors, such as the type of DUI, whether it’s a first-time offense, and the severity of the offense. In this blog post, we will answer the question, “How long does a DUI stay on your record in Pennsylvania?” and provide you with the information you need to know.
The answer to your question depends on the type of DUI you’ve been charged with. In Pennsylvania, there are three levels of DUI offenses: General Impairment, High Rate, and Highest Rate. General Impairment is the lowest level of DUI offense, while Highest Rate is the most serious. If you’ve been charged with a General Impairment DUI, it will remain on your record for ten years from the date of your conviction. If you’ve been charged with a High Rate or Highest Rate DUI, it will remain on your record for the rest of your life.
If this is your first time being charged with DUI, you may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, a pre-trial diversion program designed to help first-time offenders. If you successfully complete the program, the charges against you will be dismissed, and you will be eligible to have your record expunged. In this case, the DUI will not remain on your record.
If you’re not eligible for the ARD program, you may be able to have your record expunged after a certain period. In Pennsylvania, you can apply to have your record expunged five years after your conviction for a General Impairment DUI or ten years after your conviction for a High Rate or Highest Rate DUI. However, not all DUI offenses are eligible for expungement, so it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine whether you’re eligible.
If you’re wondering how long a DUI will impact your driving record, the answer is different from how long it will remain on your criminal record. A DUI conviction will be reflected on your driving record for ten years from the date of your conviction. Your insurance company will most likely find out about the conviction and will likely increase your premiums or even cancel your policy. If you’re required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, it will remain on your driving record for five years after its removal.
In conclusion, a DUI conviction can have serious and long-lasting consequences in Pennsylvania. If you’ve been charged with DUI, it’s important to consult with an experienced DUI attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights. While General Impairment DUIs can remain on your record for ten years, High Rate and Highest Rate DUIs can remain on your record for life. However, there are certain programs and options available that may help you remove the conviction from your record. Take action as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate to seek legal advice to protect your future.
You need more than just one good DUI lawyer. You need the best. You need a team of experienced DUI lawyers fighting for you. Contact Lee Ciccarelli, and his team of West Chester, Pennsylvania DUI lawyers.
Watch out. There’s a lot of former prosecutors boasting about their experience: experience putting people just like you behind bars. Instead, look to Lee Ciccarelli and his team with nearly 100 years of experience fighting for clients facing the penalties of a DUI.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.