A DUI conviction can stay on a person's record in Pennsylvania potentially forever. If a person is convicted of a DUI, they will have a criminal record whether they are convicted by going to trial or by pleading guilty. For DUI, a person can only get a record expunged or, say, any misdemeanor or felony in Pennsylvania, a person can only get such a charge expunged if they're 70 years of age and other conditions are met or if they're deceased and other conditions are met. Unless somebody, say, waits until they're 70 years of age or they're deceased and a state petitions for an expungement, the record will continue indefinitely or will be maintained indefinitely.
With a DUI, for a misdemeanor, a person can see to get it sealed after 10 years passed if the person's remained arrest and prosecution free. With a DUI conviction, a person can potentially get the case sealed 10 years after the case is entirely over and done with. Sealing can be effective. It doesn't destroy the records. It's still available upon request in certain law enforcement and government agencies including professional licensing agencies. In essence, a DUI conviction can last forever.
Being charged with a DUI offense is incredibly serious. Having an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney can help you best defend against these charges and can help you understand and navigate the process.
