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Expungement & Clean Slate

Pennsylvania has expanded expungement options significantly in recent years, including the Clean Slate Act for automated sealing. Here's what you need to know about clearing your criminal record.

Traditional Expungement

Available for: non-convictions (acquittals, dismissed charges, nolle prosequi) — immediately eligible; ARD completions — upon successful completion; summary convictions — after 5 years arrest-free; individuals over 70 with 10+ years since last conviction.

Clean Slate Act (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 9122.1)

Enacted 2018. Provides automatic sealing (not full expungement) for: non-violent M2 and M3 misdemeanors after 10 years arrest-free with all fines/costs paid. Records are hidden from public view and most background checks, but remain accessible to law enforcement and certain employers (healthcare, education, law enforcement).

The Petition Process

File a Petition for Expungement with the Court of Common Pleas. Include: your criminal record, the specific charges to expunge, the legal basis for eligibility. Serve the DA's office and the arresting agency. The DA has 30 days to object.

What Expungement Does

Full expungement: Records are destroyed or returned to you. As if the arrest never happened. You can legally deny the arrest on most applications. Clean Slate sealing: Records are hidden from public but not destroyed. You can deny on most applications but some exceptions apply.

Limitations

Felony convictions are NOT eligible for expungement (with rare exceptions). M1 misdemeanors are NOT eligible for Clean Slate automatic sealing. Sex offenses are never eligible. Some professional licensing boards retain access to sealed records.

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Expungement Eligibility Checker

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. For guidance specific to your situation, consider booking a consultation with a PA licensed attorney.