Pennsylvania Expungement — How to Clear Your Record

Expungement in Pennsylvania allows eligible individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or destroyed, making them invisible to most background checks §18-9122 et seq.. The process, eligibility requirements, and waiting periods vary based on the type of offense and the outcome of the case.

When a record is expunged, it is sealed from public view. In most cases:

• The record will not appear on standard background checks
• You may legally state that you have not been convicted of the expunged offense on most job applications
• Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access to sealed records
• Some professional licensing boards may still be able to see expunged records

Not all offenses are eligible for expungement. General eligibility requirements include:

Offenses that are eligible

• Arrests that did not result in conviction (dismissed, acquitted, nolle prosequi)
• Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
• Some nonviolent felony convictions (in states with expanded eligibility)
• Deferred adjudication or diversion program completions

Offenses that are NOT eligible

• Violent felonies (murder, rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault)
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• Crimes against children
• Certain offenses involving moral turpitude

Pennsylvania requires specific waiting periods: Immediate for acquittals/nolle prosequi; 5 years from conviction for summary offense expungement if no arrests for 5 years; 70 years of age (certain convictions); petition-based for eligible misdemeanors under Clean Slate Act.

Pennsylvania Clean Slate Act (2018 and 2019 expansion) provides automatic sealing of certain misdemeanors and summary offenses after 10 years crime-free. Courts may grant limited access to sealed records for law enforcement. Felony conviction expungement is very limited. Mandatory sealing for qualifying second-degree misdemeanors and lower after 10 years without re-offense.

• Does not restore firearm rights automatically (federal law may still apply)
• Does not prevent the record from being used if you commit a new offense
• Does not apply retroactively to consequences already incurred (lost jobs, denied housing)
• May not prevent access by certain agencies (law enforcement, immigration, military)
• Does not remove the offense from federal databases (FBI records may still reflect the arrest)

Despite its limitations, expungement provides significant practical benefits:

• Employment — Most private employers will not see the expunged record on a standard background check
• Housing — Expunged records do not appear in standard tenant screening reports
• Education — College and professional school applications ask only about convictions, not expunged records
• Peace of mind — A formal legal closure that allows you to move forward