Criminal Record Expungement in PA: Can You Clear Your Past?
A criminal record can affect your ability to secure a job, housing, and other opportunities. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law provides options for expungement, allowing individuals to clear certain offenses from their records.
Eligibility for Expungement
Expungement eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of offense and the time elapsed since the conviction. In Pennsylvania, you may qualify if:
You were arrested but not convicted.
A case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal.
You have a summary offense and have remained crime-free for five years.
You are over 70 and have had no convictions for ten years.
You completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.
Steps to Remove Criminal Records
Obtain Your Criminal Record: Request a copy of your criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police.
Determine Eligibility: Review your record to see if you qualify for expungement.
File a Petition: Submit an expungement petition to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the offense occurred.
Attend a Hearing (if required): Some cases require a court appearance to argue why your record should be cleared.
Receive a Decision: If granted, your record will be removed from public databases.
How an Attorney Can Help
Expungement laws can be complex, and filing errors can delay or jeopardize your case. An experienced attorney can:
Assess your eligibility and recommend the best course of action.
Prepare and file all necessary paperwork correctly.
Represent you in court, if required.
Ensure that your record is properly cleared from all relevant databases.
If you want to move forward with clearing your record, Attorney Sean Quinlan can guide you through the process. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you get a fresh start.
