Can You Expunge a DUI? What You Need to Know
July 28, 2025
When a DUI appears on your record, it can feel like a shadow that follows you everywhere. From job interviews to housing applications, the effects of a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can stretch far beyond the courtroom. It’s no surprise that many people wonder whether it’s possible to get a DUI expunged and finally move on with their lives.
The good news is that some DUI charges in Clarion, Pennsylvania, can be expunged, but the laws are strict, and the opportunities are limited. At Pope and Bogush Attorneys at Law, LLC, I work hard to protect your rights, guide you through every step of the legal process, and fight for the outcome you’re hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about expungements.
What Is Expungement?
Before we get into DUI-specific details, it helps to understand what expungement is. In Pennsylvania, an expungement is a legal process that removes or erases charges or convictions from your criminal record. Once a charge is expunged, it’s as if it never happened in the eyes of most employers, landlords, and background checks.
However, not every criminal charge is eligible. Pennsylvania law only allows expungements in limited situations, and even then, certain agencies—like law enforcement—may still retain access to the original record.
Common situations where expungements may apply:
You were found not guilty of the charges.
The charges were dismissed or withdrawn.
You completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.
You’re over 70 and haven’t been arrested for at least 10 years.
The conviction is for a summary offense, and five years have passed without another arrest.
That brings us to the big question: can you expunge a DUI?
Are DUI Charges Eligible for Expungement?
The answer depends on how the DUI case was resolved. Pennsylvania doesn’t allow expungement of most misdemeanor or felony convictions, including DUI, unless certain criteria are met. But there are a few exceptions that might apply.
When a DUI might be eligible for expungement:
You were accepted into and completed the ARD program: This is the most common path to expungement for DUI charges.
The DUI charge was dismissed, withdrawn, or you were acquitted: If your case didn’t result in a conviction, you may be able to file for expungement.
You received a pardon from the governor: This is rare, but if you were pardoned, your record may be cleared.
You’re over 70 years old and haven’t been arrested for 10 years: This applies even to convictions, but it’s only available after a long waiting period.
Let’s take a closer look at how the ARD program works and why it matters for DUI expungements.
The ARD Program
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is Pennsylvania’s way of offering a second chance, especially for first-time, non-violent offenders. If you’re charged with DUI and qualify for ARD, you may avoid jail time and ultimately have the charge removed from your record.
Participation in ARD isn’t automatic. You have to apply and be accepted by the district attorney's office. Once accepted, you’ll be required to complete certain conditions like probation, alcohol education classes, and possibly community service. If you successfully finish the program, the DUI charge is eligible for expungement.
Requirements for completing ARD successfully:
Complete all court-ordered conditions (classes, probation, etc.)
Pay all associated fees and restitution
Avoid any new criminal charges during the ARD period
After ARD is completed, your attorney can file a petition to have the DUI expunged. This is the most common route for clearing a DUI from your record in Pennsylvania.
When Expungement Is Not an Option
Unfortunately, most people with a DUI conviction on their record won’t qualify for expungement unless they fall under one of the limited exceptions mentioned earlier. Pennsylvania law is strict when it comes to erasing criminal convictions, especially DUIs, which are considered serious offenses.
Scenarios where expungements are generally not allowed:
You pled guilty or were convicted of DUI without ARD
You have multiple DUI offenses on your record
You’re under 70 and don’t meet the time-related conditions
Your DUI involved serious injury, death, or high BAC levels
In these cases, the DUI will likely remain on your criminal record permanently. However, there may be other options worth exploring, like limited access orders or even a pardon.
Limited Access Orders
If you’re not eligible for expungement, you might consider a limited access order. This doesn’t erase your record, but it does limit who can see it. Under Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate law, certain misdemeanor convictions—including some DUI charges—can be sealed from public view after some time.
Benefits of a limited access order:
Hides your record from most employers and landlords
Makes it easier to pass background checks
Doesn’t require a pardon or ARD completion
To qualify, you must have completed all sentencing requirements (including probation), and at least 10 years must have passed without any new convictions. Keep in mind that sealed records are still visible to law enforcement and some government agencies.
It’s not a perfect solution, but for many people, it’s better than having a conviction visible to the general public. For more information about limited access orders, contact me, Michael B. Bogush, Attorney at Law.
How to Start the Expungement Process
If you think you qualify for a DUI expungement—especially through ARD—it’s important to take action as soon as you’re eligible. The expungement process in Pennsylvania involves several steps and requires filing a petition with the court.
Steps to request a DUI expungement:
Get a copy of your criminal record: You'll need this to see what’s eligible.
Determine eligibility: Make sure your situation falls under one of the expungement categories.
File a petition with the court of common pleas: This includes details about your case and why it qualifies for expungement.
Attend a court hearing (if required): Some counties hold hearings, while others decide based on the paperwork.
Receive a court order: If approved, the court will issue an order directing law enforcement to destroy or seal the records.
This process can take several months, and each county may have slightly different procedures. Having a criminal defense attorney familiar with Pennsylvania expungements can help speed things up and avoid mistakes.
What Happens After a DUI Is Expunged?
Once the court grants the expungement, your DUI charge is removed from the public record. That means potential employers, landlords, and most background check companies won’t be able to see it.
However, it’s worth noting that law enforcement and some licensing boards may still have access to your expunged record in certain circumstances. For most people, though, expungement offers a fresh start and a way to move on from a past mistake.
Key changes after a DUI is expunged:
The DUI won’t appear in most background checks
You’re legally allowed to answer “no” when asked about criminal convictions in many situations
Your criminal history appears clean to most non-governmental entities
This can open doors to better job opportunities, professional licenses, and even housing options that might have previously been out of reach.
DUI Expungement and Background Checks
One of the biggest reasons people seek DUI expungements is to improve their background check results. Whether you're applying for a new job, looking to rent an apartment, or going back to school, a criminal record can be a major roadblock.
How DUI expungements affect background checks:
Employers using standard background checks won’t see the expunged DUI
Government agencies and law enforcement may still access the sealed record
Licensing boards for certain professions might still consider the original charge
It’s important to remember that expungement doesn't always make your record invisible in every context. But for most purposes, it makes a major difference and offers a clean slate.
Reach Out Today
So, can you expunge a DUI? In Pennsylvania, the answer is: sometimes. If you were charged with DUI and completed an ARD program, or if your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, expungement may be an option. Understanding your options when it comes to expungements can help you make better decisions for your future. At Pope and Bogush Attorneys at Law, LLC, I serve clients throughout Pennsylvania. Reach out today.