Pennsylvania Criminal Record Expungement
Detailed guide to clearing criminal records in Pennsylvania.
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Answer a few questions to learn what types of relief may be available, then get your auto-filled court forms.
Filing Fees
Fee waiver available for qualifying individuals
Conviction Expungement Process
- 1
Check Clean Slate Automatic Sealing
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law may have automatically sealed your record.
- 2
Gather Your Case Information
Collect all relevant documents about your case.
- 3
Complete Expungement Petition Forms
Fill out the required forms for your specific type of expungement.
- 4
File Your Petition with the Court
Submit your petition to the court of common pleas.
- 5
Serve the District Attorney
Provide a copy of your petition to the district attorney's office.
- 6
Attend Hearing (if required)
Some cases require a hearing; others are granted on the papers.
- 7
Receive Your Expungement Order
Once granted, the court will issue an expungement order.
Arrest Record Expungement Process
- 1
Check Clean Slate Automatic Sealing
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law may have automatically sealed your record.
- 2
Gather Your Case Information
Collect all relevant documents about your case.
- 3
Complete Expungement Petition Forms
Fill out the required forms for your specific type of expungement.
- 4
File Your Petition with the Court
Submit your petition to the court of common pleas.
- 5
Serve the District Attorney
Provide a copy of your petition to the district attorney's office.
- 6
Attend Hearing (if required)
Some cases require a hearing; others are granted on the papers.
- 7
Receive Your Expungement Order
Once granted, the court will issue an expungement order.
Important Notes
- Pennsylvania was the first state to enact a Clean Slate law (2018)
- Clean Slate SEALS records (limited access), traditional expungement DESTROYS them
- Act 83 of 2020 expanded Clean Slate to most misdemeanors and many felonies
- Act 56 of 2023 added automatic expungement for pardoned offenses
- Clean Slate does NOT restore gun rights - only full expungement does
- Sealed records under Clean Slate remain accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies
- ARD completions are treated as non-convictions for expungement purposes
- Some counties have more restrictive local rules - check with the court
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult with a qualified attorney in Pennsylvania for advice specific to your situation.