PA Summary Offense Expungement Lawyer

A summary offense charge or conviction can follow you long after the case is over.  Unfortunately, summary offenses show up on background checks, creating obstacles to getting a job, housing, and college admissions.  As a PA Summary Offense Expungement Lawyer, I can help erase summary offense records, so they don’t harm your future.  Whether your case involves underage drinking, disorderly conduct, harassment, or retail theft, I will work to clear your record.  Ready to take the next step?  I’m here to help.

Quick Summary of Key Points

• In Pennsylvania, you can petition the court to expunge a summary conviction after 5 years without an arrest or prosecution following the conviction
• If your summary offense was dismissed, withdrawn, or marked “nolle prossed,” you can file for expungement without any waiting period
• Common Pennsylvania summary offenses that can be expunged in Pennsylvania include retail theft, underage drinking, disorderly conduct, and harassment
• Expunging your summary offense record can significantly improve your chances of getting a job and open up other career opportunities
• Hiring an experienced summary offense expungement lawyer ensures that your petition is filed correctly, your rights are protected, and gives you the best chance of getting your record cleared

Why Expunge a Summary Offense in PA?

A 2025 Census Bureau study says having a criminal record can hurt your chances of getting a job and earning more money.  The study can be found at: Understanding Criminal Record Penalties in the Labor Market

A single summary offense, like underage drinking, disorderly conduct, or shoplifting, can stay on your record for life, showing up anytime someone runs a background check.  Expunging your Pennsylvania summary offense removes that obstacle.  Here’s how it pays off:

Bucks County Summary Offense Expungement Lawyer

Ready to erase the past and give yourself a fresh start?  Call me today at (215) 752-5282 for a free review of your case.

A Summary Offense Criminal Record Can be Used Against You in Custody Hearings

A minor criminal record can hurt a parent in child custody cases.  A family court judge may question a parent’s ability to safely care for their children if that parent was charged with or convicted of a summary offense involving domestic violence (disorderly conduct, harassment) or alcohol or drug abuse (public intoxication).

Also, under the recently enacted Kayden’s Law, the child custody judge must give higher consideration to the child’s safety when compared to other factors when making a custody ruling.

A Summary Offense on Your Record May Make It Harder to Get a Job

Today’s job market is very competitive.  As a result, most hiring managers check everyone’s past to protect the company from hiring employees with questionable backgrounds.

About 86% of U.S. employers conduct criminal background screening during at the initial hiring stage, so even minor summary convictions can appear unless they are expunged.  See: Employers Prioritize Speed Over Accuracy in Background Checks

Do you have a summary offense criminal history?  If so, you may not get past the initial job application stage.  Don’t let this happen to you.

What is a Summary Offense?

A Pennsylvania summary offense is a minor criminal charge that does rise to the level of a misdemeanor or felony crime.  The police send you a citation if they charge you with a summary crime.

What Types of Summary Offenses Can be Expunged?

Why Choose My Law Firm for Your Expungement?

I have spent over 15 years helping people in Bucks County and the surrounding counties clear their summary records.  During that time, I have filed over 500 Summary Offense Expungement Petitions in the local county courts.

I offer affordable, transparent flat fees and I make it a priority to keep you informed of every step in the process.  Are you ready to move forward to clear your summary record?  If so, call me today at (215) 752-5282.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Request a Background Check Before Filing for Summary Expungement?

Yes.  You must attach a current Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History to your summary expungement petition.  Order it online for $22.00 at: Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History – Home

Is a Pennsylvania Summary Offense Automatically Expunged?

Yes, but only if judge finds you not guilty at trial or appeal.  

Are Summary Offense Convictions Automatically Sealed After 5 Years?

Yes.  Under the Pennsylvania Clean Slate law 3.0, summary convictions offenses are automatically sealed 5 years after conviction if restitution has been paid.

What is the Difference Between a Summary Offense Expungement and a Summary Offense Criminal Record Seal?

Expungement erases your record from public and government databases.  Sealing hides it from the public, but law enforcement, licensing boards, and some employers can still see it.

What Summary Offenses are Eligible for Immediate Expungement?

If your charge was withdrawn, dismissed, or “nolle prossed,” you can petition for expungement right away.  If a judge found you not guilty, the court automatically expunges your record within 12 months.

Can my Employer Run a Criminal Record Check After I am Hired?

Only with your written consent.  However, some jobs (healthcare, daycare, eldercare, transportation and financial services) may require that you consent to post-hire background checks in order to get hired.

Can You Be Fired for a Summary Offense?

Yes.  Employers may terminate or demote you for being charged for a summary offense, especially in fields like healthcare, childcare, eldercare, education, finance, or retail services.

Am I Eligible to Expunge a Pennsylvania Underage Drinking Citation?

Yes.  If you got an underage drinking citation, here’s the quick breakdown for expungement eligibility:

• Under 18:  You have reached age 18, 6 months have passed, and you have completed all your conditions.
• 18-20:  Turned 21 and have completed all your conditions
• Not Guilty:  The court automatically expunges your record within 12 months.

Does a Summary Shoplifting Citation go on Your Record?

Yes.  A summary criminal record is created when the police file the citation with the court, and it remains unless it is expunged.

How Long Does a Summary Offense Stay on My Record?

For your lifetime, unless it is expunged.

How Long do I Have to Wait Before Filing for a Summary Expungement?

Five years after conviction unless your case involved underage drinking.  No waiting period if the citation was dismissed, withdrawn, or you were found not guilty (automatic expungement).

Can I Expunge Multiple Summary Offenses?

Yes, if you have no new charges or convictions within your most recent summary conviction.

Do I need a Lawyer for Expungement?

Yes.  Summary expungement requires legal filings, notice, deadlines that are difficult to understand without the knowledge of an experienced lawyer.

How do I Find the Best Lawyer for Summary Offense Expungement in Bucks County?

Look for a lawyer with over 15 years of summary expungement experience, strong 5-star Google reviews, and a history of filing expungement petitions in multiple Pennsylvania Counties.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Summary Offense Expunged?

Most cases finish in 3-5 months.  Judges typically sign the expungement Order within 6 weeks after the petition is filed if the district attorney does not object.  Agencies destroy the criminal records within 90 days of receiving the expungement Order.  Over 95% of the cases in my practice are completed within 5 months after filing.

Pennsylvania Summary Offense Expungement Lawyer

If you were charged with a summary offense in Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Philadelphia, or Northampton County, Pennsylvania, I can help you clear your record.

I am a Pennsylvania summary offense expungement lawyer with over 15 years of experience and over 500 expungement cases.  I offer personalized legal advice and fast, effective results.

Call (215) 752-5282 for your free consultation today.  Your second chance starts with one phone call.