Every Friday we will take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about Pennsylvania DUI so that we can clear up any misconceptions and provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information.  Today:

I am facing DUI charges in York County, Pennsylvania.  If I am convicted, how long with this stay on my record?

In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction stays on your record for life. Like I have said before, “A DUI, like a diamond, is forever”. Most other states have similar laws. A DUI in Pennsylvania is always a misdemeanor, although some drivers with multiple, serious, driving convictions are declared “habitual offenders.” There are felony drunk driving cases such as Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI and Homicide by Vehicle While DUI.

A conviction can result in possible denial of job opportunities and cancellation of professional licenses for CDL holders.  Others holding professional licenses such as doctors, lawyers, and judges may face disciplinary action by their boards.

Because a conviction is a public record and is typically retrieved by credit reporting agencies, you may face restrictions or outright refusal for credit. In addition, a conviction will most certainly cause a significant increase in premiums or cancellation of your auto insurance. In the last 10 years, many rental car companies have begun denying rental privileges to a person with a DUI conviction for as long as six years after a DUI conviction. Some countries even restrict or prohibit travel by persons with a DUI conviction (e.g. Canada). All of these reasons explain why we fight for a non-DUI disposition to your case, or for an outright acquittal.

Please see our post The Legal Consequences for a DUI in PA for a more detailed description on Pennsylvania DUI Penalties for different categories .  As you can see, the penalties for this category are very serious and can seriously effect your life.  There also many other consequences of a DUI conviction that you may not be aware of (see our series Why Fight a DUI in PA).

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it via the contact us link.

-Justin J. McShane, Esquire, Pennsylvania DUI Attorney

I am the highest rated DUI Attorney in PA as Rated by Avvo.com

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Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.