Everyone has made bad decisions, but errors in judgment should not haunt someone for the rest of their life. Fortunately, Pennsylvania gives individuals the right to petition the court to expunge their criminal histories. A criminal record expungement results in the destruction of the records of your apprehension, arrest, detention, trial, and sentencing for an offense committed in the adult justice system. As an experienced PA criminal record expungement lawyer, I will help you put a past mistake behind you.
PA Expungement Law
The existence of a criminal record may make it difficult for you to become employed, work in your chosen profession, or advance in your current job. In addition, your criminal history may prevent you from working in jobs requiring professional licensing, certification, or a background check.
As a consequence, your earning potential may be severely limited. Fortunately, you can petition the court to get your criminal records expunged. A criminal record expungement can significantly increase your employment, housing, educational, professional, and financial opportunities.
As a PA expungement lawyer, I can protect your privacy and reputation and provide peace of mind.
Expungement Attorney PA
Your initial question may be: how do I find the best expungement attorney near me? Fortunately, I am among the most experienced expungement lawyers in Montgomery County and Bucks County, PA.
In addition, I have helped people clear their records in Chester County, Northampton County, Delaware County, and the surrounding Pennsylvania Counties. Finally, don’t let a criminal record keep you from getting the job you deserve.
Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation, or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.
Who is Eligible for Expungement in Pennsylvania?
Click to Enlarge
Does an Expungement Clear My Record?
Yes. A criminal record expungement will result in the mandatory destruction of the records related to your criminal files. Otherwise, law enforcement offices and court agencies would maintain those records. In addition, your adult criminal history would remain accessible through a public access court website without expungement.
Benefits of Expungement
Click Image to Enlarge
Petition for Expungement PA
The Pennsylvania expungement process can take up to 6 months to complete. The proceeding begins when your lawyer files an Expungement Petition and supporting paperwork with the Clerk of Courts in the county where the police filed the charges.
After your lawyer files the Petition, the criminal procedure rules require that the district attorney either oppose, consent, or take no position on the expungement request within 60 days.
PA Expungement Process
The Common Pleas Court Judge will schedule a hearing on the Petition if the District Attorney objects to the expungement. At the hearing, the prosecutor must convince the judge that the court should deny the Petition.
To counter the prosecutor, I will present evidence of your character and background to persuade the judge that you are entitled to the expungement of your records. Having an experienced expungement lawyer representing you at this hearing is crucial.
The judge will issue a ruling on the Expungement Petition at the end of the hearing or shortly afterward. The court will usually grant an expungement order unless the district attorney presents compelling evidence that preserving the records would serve the public interest.
What Happens After the Judge Grants an Expungement Petition?
The county clerk of courts will forward certified copies of the Order for Expungement to all agencies possessing your criminal case records. Those records may include information about your apprehension, arrest, detention, processing, booking, trial, and court hearings for an offense in the adult criminal justice system.
In addition, those agencies must destroy all paperwork and electronic documentation related to your case. Finally, these offices are required to provide your expungement attorney with written verification of the destruction of the files.
How Long Does Expungement Take in PA?
In most Pennsylvania Counties, the Pennsylvania expungement process takes approximately 6 months to complete. The 6-month time frame begins when your attorney files the Expungement Petition. The expungement process ends when the last court office, police department, or other agency completes the destruction of your criminal records.
Proven Success in the Expungement Cases
The process for completing an expungement is a long and complicated one. Unfortunately, the court will dismiss many Expungement Petitions because the Defendant did not fill out the documents correctly or because the Defendant did not file the Petition on time.
I am skilled and knowledgeable in all areas of Pennsylvania expungement law. By using my skills and experience, I will help you navigate the complicated process of having your adult criminal record expunged.
Expungement Lawyer PA
Do you have a criminal record that is interfering with your future? You begin to search for expungement attorneys near me. Finally, you have decided to take the necessary steps to have your criminal history expunged. I am a local criminal expungement attorney who can help you with criminal record expungement,
My practice area includes Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Call today for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
