PA Working to Expand Ability to Expunge Criminal Record
Pennsylvania legislators recently announced a proposed bill that could allow people convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors to seal or expunge the criminal conviction. The proposed law would allow people who have been convicted of a second-degree misdemeanor to file for expungement after they have been crime free for ten years, and people who have been convicted of a third-degree misdemeanor to file for expungement after they have been crime free for seven years. The law also has a component that would allow judges to seal criminal records to everyone but law enforcement while the ten and seven year time periods are running.
The new legislation has found wide-spread support across Pennsylvania from legislators, defense attorneys and prosecutors. One of the primary goals of the proposed law is to allow people to move forward with employment applications without fear that an unfortunate incident from their past will stand in their way.
Our attorneys have been successful in petitioning the court to expunge criminal charges in a variety of circumstances. If this new law is passed, our firm will be able to help even more people clear their criminal record. If you would like to discuss your options regarding an expungement, please call our office at 215-348-1776 to schedule a free consultation.
This article is not legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided after consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
