How Long Will a DUI Stay on Your Record in Pennsylvania?

As a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of clients facing DUI charges minimize the damage and, in some cases, erase the record entirely. Here’s what you need to know about how long a DUI sticks with you in Pennsylvania — and what you can do about it.

🔹 DUI Convictions Stay on Your Record — Permanently

In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life. It becomes part of your permanent public record, accessible to:

• Employers

• Insurance companies

• Licensing boards

• Law enforcement

It can also count as a prior offense if you're charged again, even decades later — which can lead to harsher penalties.

🔹 Can a DUI Be Expunged?

In most cases, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged under Pennsylvania law. However, there are exceptions:

✅ If your DUI case was dismissed, withdrawn, or you were found not guilty
✅ If you were accepted into the ARD program (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)

If you successfully complete ARD, you may be eligible to have the record expunged — but this isn’t automatic. You must file a petition with the court.

🔹 How Does a DUI Affect Your Driving Record?

A DUI will stay on your PennDOT driving record for 10 years. During that time, it can impact:

• Insurance premiums

• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) eligibility

• Driving privileges and future sentencing

After 10 years, PennDOT may remove the offense from your publicly accessible driving history, but it will still count as a prior offense in criminal court.

🔹 First-Time DUI vs. Repeat Offenses

Pennsylvania uses a tiered DUI penalty system, and the number of prior offenses is a major factor. Even if your last DUI was 15 years ago, it can still be used to enhance your sentence if you’re charged again.

This makes managing your record — and hiring an experienced attorney early — incredibly important.

🔹 How a Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you're facing a DUI, or trying to clear an old record, an experienced lawyer can:

✅ Fight the current charge or seek reduced penalties
✅ Help you qualify for ARD if you're a first-time offender
✅ File for expungement if you’re eligible
✅ Prevent mistakes that can hurt your future

Don’t Let a DUI Define You

One mistake shouldn’t ruin your chances at employment, housing, or peace of mind. The key is understanding your rights and taking action — sooner rather than later.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.