Expungement of a First-Time DUI Offense: All You Need to Know
There are very few convictions that can make you feel as if your life can fall apart. Driving Under Influence (DUI) happens to be one of them! Individuals convicted of DUI charges in Philadelphia might lose their license or their job!
However, if you have committed a DUI offense for the first time in Pennsylvania, you may not have to face a permanent conviction. That’s because Pennsylvania offers an alternative for eligible individuals, called the ‘Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition’ (ARD) program, which can practically be a real lifesaver.
This is where an experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorney becomes your best advisor and representative to get you into this program and help you get your record expunged.
Penalties/ Charges for DUI offenders in Philadelphia
A DUI offense comes with the prospect of some really harsh penalties. You can face suspension of your driver’s license along with some steep fines.
Other than that, jail time is a real possibility, even for first-time offenders! Also, the exact penalties you face will depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The higher the BAC, the more severe the punishment.
- BAC 0.8- 0.10: Sentence to probation, no license suspension.
- BAC 0.10- 0.16: 48-hour imprisonment, 1-year license suspension, fines up to $5,000.
- BAC 0.16 and above: 72-hour imprisonment, 1-year license suspension, fines up to $5,000.
So, if you are among the first-time offenders, the ARD program can be a major opportunity. It is the only way you can avoid a criminal conviction. Although you may still face a license suspension and incur fines, you can definitely avoid a criminal record.
How to Qualify for the ARD Program?
The ARD program is specifically designed for first-time, non-violent DUI offenders. And to qualify for the program, you have to meet certain criteria, like-
- The first and foremost important factor is that you have to have no prior criminal convictions. You also cannot have a prior ARD disposition.
- You have to have a validated license and registration when you are arrested for DUI.
- You must not have been involved in an accident with serious bodily injury at the time of arrest.
Even after you qualify, the district attorney’s office determines your eligibility. Their decision is based on the specific facts related to your case.
This is exactly where having a skilled attorney changes the game. A qualified Pittsburgh DUI attorney will know the specific requirements of the ARD program and can effectively assess your eligibility. Apart from that, the professional will also handle all the necessary paperwork and advocate on your behalf to present you in the most favorable light.
How the Logue Law Group Can Help You Attain Expungement?
We at the Logue Law Group have years of experience in handling such cases. That’s exactly why a dedicated Pittsburgh DUI attorney from our firm can be the best ally in your case.
Our team will file a motion to enroll you in the ARD program. Added to that, we will also make sure that all possible conditions and criteria are met, so you can successfully complete the program. Besides that, upon completion, we will also work to get your record expunged. This means you will walk away knowing that you don’t have any criminal charges on your public record.
So, if you’ve committed a DUI offense for the first time, don’t just plead guilty right away. Instead, contact us at 844.PITT.DUI, and hire a top-notch Pittsburgh DUI attorney to help you every step of the way to protect your future.