In brief
In Pennsylvania, charges that were dismissed, withdrawn, or ended in a not-guilty verdict can generally be expunged by petition. Most convictions cannot be expunged, but some summary convictions can be after five years without a new arrest or prosecution, and Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law automatically seals some older misdemeanor convictions. The first step is reviewing the court docket for each case.
- Not every arrest or conviction is eligible for expungement. Eligibility depends on disposition and statute.
- Dismissed charges, certain diversion outcomes, and some older summary matters are common starting points for review.
- Clean record petitions and limited-access options may apply in situations where full expungement does not.
- Accurate dockets and disposition paperwork are essential before filing.
- A consultation can tell you whether a petition is realistic before you spend time chasing records.
What expungement can and cannot do
Expungement is the process of petitioning to destroy or remove certain criminal record information. People seek it for employment, licensing, housing, and peace of mind. Pennsylvania law sets specific eligibility rules; many convictions are not eligible for traditional expungement.
Related remedies may include limited access to records in some circumstances. The right path depends on what happened in your case and how it was finally disposed.
How we approach record-clearing questions
The first step is gathering accurate information: dockets, dispositions, and OTN or DC numbers where available. From there, counsel can assess whether an expungement petition or another form of relief is available and what courts need to see.
If you want to know whether a Philadelphia or Pennsylvania record can be cleared or restricted, contact The Altschuler Firm for a consultation.
Common questions
What is the difference between expungement and sealing?
Expungement destroys the record. Sealing, which Pennsylvania calls limited access, hides the record from most public and employer background checks but keeps it available to law enforcement and certain agencies.
What records do I need for an expungement?
The court docket for each case, which shows the charges and how each one ended, and identifying numbers such as the docket number or OTN. Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania dockets can be searched on the Unified Judicial System (UJS) web portal.
Does Clean Slate mean I do not need to do anything?
Not always. Clean Slate seals qualifying records automatically, but it does not cover every offense, and it seals records rather than destroying them. Some people still need a petition for expungement or limited access.
Talk to the attorney about your case
Consultations with Jonathan R. Altschuler are confidential. Call the office or send a short request online.
This page provides general information about Pennsylvania criminal practice and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Contact a licensed attorney about your situation.