How do I file a petition for expungement in PA?
If you wish to file for expungement, submit a petition (Summary Cases / Court Cases) to the court of common pleas where the offense occurred. The petition requires the applicant to attach a copy of the relevant Pennsylvania State Police Criminal record(s).
How much does an expungement cost in PA?
Attorneys typically charge between $700 to to $1000 to expunge your record. Take our free online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to have your PA criminal record expunged. People who were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors are not eligible for expungement, unless a pardon is received.
What is a petition for expungement?
In the common law legal system, an expungement proceeding is a type of lawsuit in which a first time offender of a prior criminal conviction seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed, making the records unavailable through the state or Federal repositories.
How long does it take to expunge a record in PA?
between three and six months
Most often, an expunge case in Pennsylvania takes between three and six months to complete, but it can vary depending on how efficient all the government agencies are at the time. First, a person will need to submit an application to the state’s Attorney Office.
How can I apply for expungement?
A person seeking to have an arrest or criminal conviction expunged from their record must usually fill out an application or petition, and submit the paperwork to the proper criminal court for a judge’s review and decision. In most jurisdictions, a fee must be paid in conjunction with the filing of the application.
Do I need an attorney for expungement?
Do I need an attorney? An attorney is not required for you to file a petition for expungement. However, it may be useful to consult with an attorney if you have questions about your situation.
How does expungement work in PA?
Expungement, at least in Pennsylvania, means your criminal record is fully destroyed — so no one can see it, even the courts or police. If your record has been expunged or sealed, you no longer have to disclose that you have that record if you’re asked about it on things like housing or employment applications.
Will expunged records show background check?
Expunged charges are erased from the record entirely, and sealed records still exist but are inaccessible to the public. Generally, sealed and expunged records will never appear on a background check.
