Determining Eligibility For Criminal Record Sealing And Expungement

Pennsylvania allows eligible individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealing your criminal record makes it inaccessible to the public. Expungement permanently erases a crime from your record.

Once sealed or expunged, a conviction will no longer impact your ability to find employment, obtain loans or acquire a residence. The lawyers at the Bellwoar Kelly, LLP have helped eligible residents throughout Pottstown and West Chester seal or expunge their records.

The Sealing And Expungement Process

To request record sealing or expungement, you must petition the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the offense occurred. For sealing, you need to submit an order for limited access. The district attorney has 30 days to review your request followed by a hearing if they object. If granted, the order will be submitted to the appropriate criminal justice agencies. Keep in mind, professional licensing and family welfare agencies can request information about a sealed criminal record.

To request expungement, you must submit a petition for expungement. Following the submission of your petition, a judge will review it at a hearing and determine whether or not to grant your request. If granted, all records of your arrest, charge or conviction will be destroyed.

Who Is Eligible For Sealing And Expungement?

Eligible offenses for sealing and expungement include most second- and third-degree misdemeanors and other nonviolent charges. To qualify for sealing or expungement, you must prove a long pattern of law-abiding behavior or have a court order.

Expungement and record sealing eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and mitigating factors apply. To learn more about how our attorneys can help you, call our office at 610-314-7066 or reach out to us via email. We offer free initial consultations.