A DUI/DWI conviction will appear on a criminal background check requested by a prospective employer, landlord, or licensing authority, for example. Generally, the only way to remove a DUI/DWI conviction from appearing in some or all of such background checks is to have it expunged or sealed—which is only possible in limited circumstances.
In Pennsylvania, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction is a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal background check. This can affect an individual's opportunities when it comes to employment, housing, or obtaining certain professional licenses. Generally, the record of a DUI/DWI can only be removed from public view through expungement or sealing, which are legal processes that limit the accessibility of a criminal record. However, Pennsylvania law only allows expungement in specific circumstances, such as when the offender has completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders, reached the age of 70 and has been free of arrest for 10 years, or has been deceased for three years. Additionally, under certain conditions, individuals may petition for a 'limited access' order, which seals the record from most employers and landlords, after 10 years have passed since the completion of their sentence. It's important to note that expungement and sealing are not automatic and require a court order.