How do I Get an Expungement in Pennsylvania?

Mistakes happen. If you were convicted of a crime and served your time, you’ll quickly find out just how much a criminal conviction can impact you as you try to move forward with your life. Whether you’re applying for a loan, housing, school or a job, you will likely be asked whether or not you have a criminal history. While some places may have no problem hiring someone with a criminal conviction on their record, those who have one know just how real the stigma against them can be. A criminal record can make it incredibly difficult to move forward with your life, which is why those who are eligible, often turn to expungements.

What is an Expungement?

An expungement wipes your state clean. So, when someone asks you whether or not you have a criminal record, you could officially reply with “no.” This makes it incredibly easier to gain employment, housing, bank loans and much more. This process can be started by filing a Petition for Expungement with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where your specific offense occurred.

What is Required on the Petition for Expungement?

Personal identifying information such as your name, social security number, date of birth are required on your petition for expungement, as well as pertinent information about your specific offense. You must also include the offense you’re looking to expunge, your case’s docket number, its tracking number and disposition of the case. It’s important to note that if one thing is missing from this petition, it’ll be denied.

What Can I Expect From the Expungement Process?

After filing your petition for expungement, you will attend a hearing with a judge. This judge will determine the fate of your expungement by weighing the following factors:

• Your previous criminal history
• The severity of the offense
• Your future earning capacity and its impact on your livelihood
• The damage to your reputation as a result of the offense
• Whether or not your offense should be preserved from the public

Am I Eligible for Expungement?

In Pennsylvania, the following offenses may be eligible for expungement:

• Summary offenses (a low-level crime that results in a fine and/or up to 90 days in jail)
• If you are over 70 years of age and have not been arrested and/or prosecuted for 10 years after your release from jail
• Underage DUI, if you were at least 18 years old but under 21 when you were convicted of underage drinking and completed all the terms of your sentence
• If you were arrested but no disposition has been recorded within 18 months and there are no criminal proceedings pending against you

Contact an Experienced Erie Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Expungement in Pennsylvania

Were you arrested or charged with a summary offense in Pennsylvania and want to get an expungement? The attorneys at Purchase George & Murphey P.C. have successfully represented clients in Erie, Crawford, Meadville, North East, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 814-273-2010 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W. 26th St. in Erie, PA 16506 as well as offices located in Meadville and North East.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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