Criminal record expungement is removing specific charges and convictions from a person’s criminal record. If you have your criminal record expunged, any and all records of the offense will be deleted so there is no trace that it ever existed. Not every charge may be able to be removed from a criminal record, but some charges can be completely cleared. Other charges and convictions can be cleared with a pardon.

Eligibility for having your criminal record expunged:

• Anyone who has been accepted in the ARD program paid associated costs and successfully completed the terms of the program and probation
• Anyone who has pleaded guilty to a summary offense more than five years ago and has no criminal charges since then
• Anyone who has criminal charges that have been dismissed, withdrawn or found not guilty after trial

Benefits of having your criminal record expunged:

• You should have your criminal record expunged for the purpose of employee background checks not uncovering records of arrest and disposition.
• An expungement gives you a chance to have a clear record. Mistakes that you may have made won’t stand in your way of employment, furthering your education, participating in sports or leading to further embarrassment.
• Record of your arrest and punishment will no longer be in police databases.

The process of having your record expunged varies depending on how busy the court is, but it typically takes two to four months.