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Criminal Record Expungement

PennsylvaniaCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Pennsylvania.

Clean Slate State

Pennsylvania has automatic expungement laws. Some eligible records may be cleared without filing a petition.

At a Glance

$124Filing Fee
YesFee Waiver
YesClean Slate
Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Pennsylvania

Expungement

expungement

Sealing

limited access

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Pennsylvania.

Generally Eligible

Summary offenses (after 10 years)
Most misdemeanors (after 10 years)
Second-degree and third-degree felonies (after 10 years)
Non-conviction records (arrests, dismissals, acquittals)
ARD completions

Generally Not Eligible

Crimes of Violence (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122(b.1))

  • Murder (all degrees)
  • Voluntary manslaughter
  • Rape
  • Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
  • Sexual assault
  • Aggravated assault
  • Kidnapping
  • Robbery
  • Robbery of a motor vehicle
  • Aggravated indecent assault
  • Arson endangering persons
  • Burglary of an occupied structure
  • Burglary with person present
  • Any offense requiring registration under Megan's Law (42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.14)

Crimes Against the Family

  • Incest
  • Concealing death of a child
  • Endangering welfare of children
  • Dealing in infant children
  • Corruption of minors
  • Sexual abuse of children
  • Unlawful contact with a minor
  • Sexual exploitation of children

Firearms and Weapons Offenses

  • Persons not to possess firearms (prohibited possessor)
  • Firearms not to be carried without a license (convicted felons)
  • Carrying firearms on public streets or property in Philadelphia
  • Sale or transfer of firearms

Offenses with Four or More Convictions

  • Any offense for which the individual has been convicted of four or more offenses of the same grade or higher
  • DUI with four or more convictions
  • Any M1 offense with four or more M1 or higher convictions

Sex Offenses Requiring Registration

  • All offenses requiring Megan's Law registration
  • Sexual offenses against minors
  • Indecent assault
  • Indecent exposure (certain circumstances)
  • Prostitution and related offenses involving minors

Waiting Periods

Summary offenses10 years
Misdemeanors10 years
Felonies (F2, F3)10 years
Non-convictionsNone

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

The Process

1

Check Clean Slate Automatic Sealing

Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law may have automatically sealed your record.

1-2 weeks for record
2

Gather Your Case Information

Collect all relevant documents about your case.

1-2 hours
3

Complete Expungement Petition Forms

Fill out the required forms for your specific type of expungement.

2-3 hours
4

File Your Petition with the Court

Submit your petition to the court of common pleas.

1-2 hours at courthouse
5

Serve the District Attorney

Provide a copy of your petition to the district attorney's office.

Same day or within 1 week
6

Attend Hearing (if required)

Some cases require a hearing; others are granted on the papers.

15-30 minutes (if hearing required)
7

Receive Your Expungement Order

Once granted, the court will issue an expungement order.

60-90 days for full removal

Legal Resources

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

Statewide network of legal aid programs providing free civil legal assistance.

Community Legal Services (Philadelphia)

Free legal services in Philadelphia, including Clean Slate and expungement help.

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity

Expungement and record clearing services in Philadelphia area.

Neighborhood Legal Services Association (Pittsburgh)

Free legal services in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh area.

MidPenn Legal Services

Free legal services in Central Pennsylvania, including expungement assistance.

PALawHELP.org

Online guide to legal information and services in Pennsylvania.

Clean Slate Screener - MyCleanSlatePA

Free tool to check your PA criminal record and Clean Slate eligibility.

PA Unified Judicial System

Official Pennsylvania courts website with forms and docket search.

Pennsylvania Bar Association - Lawyer Referral

Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.

Legal Authority

18 Pa.C.S. § 9122

Expungement (Traditional Petition-Based)

View source →
18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1

Expungement of Records of Conviction for Certain Offenses

View source →
18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.2

Clean Slate Limited Access (Automatic Sealing)

View source →
Act 56 of 2018 (Clean Slate Act)

Pennsylvania Clean Slate Act

View source →
Act 83 of 2020 (Clean Slate Expansion)

Clean Slate Expansion

View source →
Act 56 of 2023 (HB 689 - Clean Slate Expansion)

Further Clean Slate Expansion and Pardon Expungement

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

🏛️ Find Your Courthouse

Get court contact information, directions, and filing details for your county

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

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Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.