Although receiving a DUI is associated with a variety of different severe penalties, such as license suspension, fines and jail time, it is an offense that can remain on a person’s record. After a person is convicted of drunk driving, having this offense on their record can harm them in many different ways, especially while finding employment. However, according to the Office of the District Attorney City of Philadelphia, offenders may be able to have this charge expunged from their record if they participate in an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program.

Before placement in an ARD program, DUI offenders must agree to a probationary sentence that is paired with certain conditions. For instance, in an ARD program, a person may be required to pay restitution to victims, perform community service or take rehabilitative classes. If the offender fails to meet the terms of this program, their case will go to trial.

However, participation in an ARD program is not an available option to every person facing the consequences of a DUI offense. According to the State of Pennsylvania, those facing DUI charges are eligible for ARD under the following circumstances:

The DUI is their first offense in the last 10 years.
No person, other than the offender, involved in the DUI was seriously hurt or injured.
The offender did not have anyone under the age of 14 with them in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Although this information is not intended as legal advice, it may prove beneficial to those who are facing charges for driving under the influence of alcohol.