In Pennsylvania, if you are convicted of a DUI, just as with any other conviction, it will stay on your criminal record forever. However, just because you have a DUI conviction on your record does not mean that everyone will be able to see it forever. There is the possibility of having certain convictions on your record sealed from public view after ten years through the Clean Slate Act. Most DUI convictions are eligible to be sealed under this Act if you meet the requirements. If your conviction is sealed only certain limited groups of people, like law enforcement and certain employers, will be able to see the conviction on your record.
If you enter and successfully complete the ARD Program for a DUI the charge, it will be dismissed without a conviction. You can then apply to have the arrest and ARD placement expunged from your Pennsylvania Criminal Record. The expungement is not automatic and if you do not complete the paperwork for the expungement the arrest and ARD placement will remain visible on your criminal record.
A DUI conviction will stay on your Pennsylvania driving record for life. If you have a license from some other State, you will need to check with that State to see if the DUI conviction will appear on that State’s driving record.
The only way to get a conviction for a DUI, or any other type of conviction in Pennsylvania removed from your criminal record is to receive a Governor’s Pardon. There is a process in Pennsylvania to apply for a Governor’s Pardon. You can find more information on the process to apply for a Governor’s Pardon online at bop.pa.gov. If you are one of the lucky few who receive a pardon, then you will be eligible to have to conviction expunged from your record.