Pennsylvania Criminal Expungement Attorney

Criminal records can have lasting effects on your life, affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law provides options to expunge or seal criminal records, offering a fresh start. Experienced attorneys can help navigate summary offense expungements, juvenile record expungements, ARD program expungements, non-conviction expungements, record sealing, and pardons.

Summary Offense Expungements

A summary offense is a minor criminal charge, often punishable by a fine only. Pennsylvania allows eligible individuals to expunge summary offense records to restore privacy and remove barriers to employment or education.

Key points:

• Typically eligible after 5 years from the date of conviction or completion of sentence.
• Requires filing a petition with the court.

Record Sealing (Limited Access Orders)

Record sealing, or limited access orders, allows certain criminal records to remain on file but restricts public access. Sealed records are only accessible to law enforcement, courts, or certain government agencies. This is particularly useful for:

• Cases where complete expungement is not allowed
• Protecting sensitive information while maintaining legal transparency

Pardons

A pardon is a formal act of forgiveness granted by the Governor, effectively removing civil disabilities associated with a conviction. Pardons are usually considered for:

• Individuals who have completed their sentence
• Those with a record of good conduct post-conviction
• Offenses that carry long-term consequences despite rehabilitation

Receiving a pardon can improve employment opportunities, restore professional licenses, and enable full participation in civic life.

Why Hire an Expungement & Record Sealing Attorney

Navigating expungement and record sealing procedures can be complex. An experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate your eligibility for expungement, sealing, or pardon
• Prepare and file petitions with supporting documentation
• Advocate for your case before the court
• Ensure your records are fully cleared and properly sealed

If past arrests or convictions are limiting your opportunities, expungement or record sealing may provide a fresh start. Contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney today to protect your future.