A criminal record can affect your future long after you complete your sentence. Employers may conduct background checks and consider certain convictions when making hiring decisions. A record may also create challenges with housing, professional licensing, and other areas of your personal life. Our Lancaster criminal defense attorneys help clients understand whether an expungement or pardon can provide a path forward and which option may fit their circumstances.
Understanding Expungements in Pennsylvania
An expungement removes certain criminal record information from public access. However, not every charge or conviction can be removed. Eligibility for an expungement may depend on factors such as:
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The type of offense
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The outcome of the case
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How much time has passed
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Whether you have been arrested or prosecuted during the required period
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Whether you received a pardon for the conviction
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in several situations. For example, you may qualify if your charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty. Certain summary offense convictions may also qualify after five years if you have not been arrested or prosecuted during that period.Â
However, even after a record is expunged, some information may still be kept for limited law enforcement and court purposes. This information may be used to determine eligibility for diversion programs or determine the grading of a later offense.
Our attorneys can review your criminal record and determine which expungement options may be available. They can also help prepare and file the necessary paperwork and address issues that could affect your eligibility.
How the Pennsylvania Pardon Process Works
People convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania can apply for a pardon. A pardon provides forgiveness for a criminal conviction and can restore rights and privileges lost because of the conviction. It may also help remove barriers to employment, education, military service, international travel, public office, jury service, voting, and other activities.
The pardon process can take several years. It may include a background investigation, interviews, and a public hearing. Our attorneys can help you prepare your application, gather supporting court records related to your convictions, and explain the factors the Board of Pardons may consider. We can also help you present information about your rehabilitation and reasons for seeking a pardon.
The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons reviews applications and may recommend that the Governor grant clemency. Since June 11, 2024, Pennsylvania convictions that receive a pardon are automatically expunged.
Let Our Lancaster Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
If you are unsure whether an expungement or pardon is right for you, you do not have to figure it out alone. Our Lancaster criminal defense lawyers can review the history of your criminal case and explain the potential benefits of pursuing either option.
If you are a resident of Berks, York, or Lancaster County and have questions about your case, contact Chieppor & Egner today online or by calling 717-393-1400. We offer free case evaluations to new clients who want to understand their options for moving forward after a conviction.
