Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in PA?

Key Takeaway

• Expungement in Pennsylvania can remove certain arrests, charges, and convictions from your criminal record, giving you a cleaner slate for employment and housing opportunities.

• Not every offense qualifies for expungement under Pennsylvania law, and eligibility depends on factors like the charge type, your age, and the outcome of your case.

• The expungement process involves filing a petition with the court, serving notice to multiple agencies, and waiting for a judge's decision, which makes legal guidance valuable.

• Residents throughout Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties can work with an experienced attorney to evaluate their eligibility and navigate the expungement process.

A criminal record can follow you long after a case is closed. Whether you were arrested but never convicted, completed a diversionary program, or were convicted of a summary offense, that record can show up on background checks and affect your ability to find work, rent an apartment, or move forward with your life. For many western Pennsylvania residents, expungement offers a real path to clearing that history.

The problem is that Pennsylvania's expungement rules are specific, and a filing mistake or missed deadline can delay relief by months. If you're in Westmoreland County, understanding exactly what you qualify for before you file is critical. Our Criminal Defense page outlines how we help clients evaluate their options and pursue record relief under Pennsylvania law.

Does Pennsylvania Allow Criminal Record Expungement?

Expungement in Pennsylvania is available under defined circumstances, and it is not a one-size-fits-all remedy. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, Pennsylvania law permits expungement of arrest records where no conviction resulted, summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free conduct, records for individuals aged 70 or older who have been crime-free for ten years, and records of deceased individuals. Pennsylvania also expanded access to record sealing through the Clean Slate Act, which allows for automatic sealing of certain nonviolent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without further criminal activity.

The good news is that if you completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, known as ARD, your record may be eligible for expungement once the program is successfully completed. ARD is commonly used for first-time DUI offenses in Pennsylvania, and expungement after completion is one of its key benefits. If you have questions about how DUI Defense and ARD intersect with expungement eligibility, an experienced attorney can walk you through the connection.

Which Offenses Qualify for Record Relief in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's expungement law draws a clear line between offenses that qualify and those that do not. Here is a general breakdown:

• Eligible for expungement: Arrests without conviction, summary offenses after five years with no additional arrests or convictions, ARD completions, underage drinking convictions after you turn 21 and meet waiting period requirements, and certain juvenile adjudications.

• Not eligible for expungement: Misdemeanor and felony convictions are generally not expungeable in Pennsylvania, with limited exceptions. Many of these may qualify for record sealing under the Clean Slate Act instead.

• Sealing under Clean Slate: Nonviolent misdemeanor convictions may be sealed automatically after ten years, which restricts public access even if full expungement is unavailable.

The difference between expungement and sealing matters. Expungement physically destroys or removes the record. Sealing restricts who can see it, but the record still exists for certain government and law enforcement purposes. Knowing which applies to your situation shapes the strategy your attorney will recommend.

How Long Does the Expungement Process Take in Pennsylvania?

Filing for expungement in Pennsylvania is not an overnight process. After you file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the arrest or charge occurred, the court serves notice on the district attorney's office and relevant law enforcement agencies. Those agencies have the right to object within a set period. If no objection is filed, the judge may grant the petition. If an objection is raised, a hearing may be scheduled.

From the date of filing to final action, the process can take anywhere from a few months to longer, depending on the county and caseload. Filing in Westmoreland County, Fayette County, or Indiana County each carries its own local procedures and timelines. Costs also vary based on court filing fees and the complexity of your petition, so contacting an attorney for an accurate picture of what your situation will involve is a practical first step.

When Should You Talk to an Attorney About Expungement?

You should consider speaking with an attorney before you file, not after. Many people attempt to handle expungement petitions on their own and discover midway through that they missed a required notice to an agency, filed in the wrong county, or petitioned for a charge that does not qualify. These errors slow down the process and, in some cases, result in denial.

An attorney reviewing your complete criminal history can identify every eligible charge, flag any that do not qualify, and build the strongest possible petition. This is especially useful if you have records in multiple counties across western Pennsylvania, such as charges in both Westmoreland and Fayette counties, which require separate petitions filed in each jurisdiction. You can also review helpful background on the firm's About page to understand the experience our attorneys bring to these matters.

What Makes Bolkovac Law Offices the Right Choice in Greensburg, PA?

Bolkovac Law Offices has served western Pennsylvania residents with decades of courtroom experience across criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters. Attorney Mark D. Bolkovac was appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing in 2024, bringing direct involvement in statewide sentencing policy to his criminal defense practice. That depth of knowledge informs how we assess petitions and related Expungement and Record Sealing matters for clients throughout Greensburg, Indiana, Murrysville, Uniontown, and surrounding communities.

With four offices across the region and membership in both the Westmoreland County Bar Association and the Indiana County Bar Association, the firm is positioned to handle petitions filed in multiple county courts without asking clients to navigate that complexity alone. Our Blog also covers a range of legal topics relevant to western Pennsylvania residents navigating the criminal justice system. Whether your goal is clearing an old arrest from your record or understanding what relief is available after a conviction, we work with you to identify the most direct path forward under Pennsylvania law.

People Also Ask

What is the difference between expungement and record sealing in Pennsylvania?

Expungement physically removes or destroys a criminal record, while record sealing restricts who can view it without eliminating the record entirely. Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Act allows for automatic sealing of certain nonviolent misdemeanor convictions after ten years, whereas expungement is reserved for arrests without conviction, summary offenses, and ARD completions, among other qualifying circumstances.

How long does expungement take in Pennsylvania?

The timeline varies by county and whether any agency objects to the petition, but the process typically takes several months from the date of filing. The court must serve notice on the district attorney and relevant agencies, who then have an opportunity to respond before a judge acts on the petition.

Can a felony conviction be expunged in Pennsylvania?

Felony convictions are generally not eligible for expungement in Pennsylvania under current law. Some nonviolent misdemeanor convictions may qualify for sealing under the Clean Slate Act after ten years without additional criminal activity, but felony records face significantly more limited options for relief.

Does completing ARD clear a DUI from your record in Pennsylvania?

A DUI conviction itself is generally not expungeable in Pennsylvania unless it was handled through the ARD program. First-time offenders who complete ARD successfully may petition to have the DUI charge cleared afterward, which is one of the primary benefits of choosing that diversionary path.

FAQ

Does record relief in Pennsylvania apply to juvenile cases?

Juvenile adjudications in Pennsylvania can often be expunged once certain age and time requirements are met, and the process is somewhat more accessible than clearing adult criminal records. An attorney can review the specific adjudication to determine eligibility and timing under Pennsylvania's Juvenile Act.

Do I need to hire an attorney to file a petition in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law does not require you to hire an attorney to file an expungement petition, but errors in the petition, incorrect service on agencies, or filing in the wrong court can result in delays or denial. Given the impact record relief can have on employment and housing, working with an experienced attorney is a practical investment.

Will expungement restore my gun rights in Pennsylvania?

Expungement may affect certain firearms restrictions tied to the cleared record, but restoring firearm rights depends on the specific charges and any other disqualifying factors under state and federal law. This is a nuanced area where legal guidance before and after the process is important.

What counties does Bolkovac Law Offices serve for these matters?

The firm handles petitions for clients throughout Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties, with offices in Greensburg, Indiana, Murrysville, and Uniontown. Because petitions must be filed in the county where the charge occurred, having access to attorneys familiar with multiple county courts is a meaningful advantage.

Ready to Clear Your Record? Talk to Bolkovac Law Offices Today

A criminal record does not have to define what comes next. If you are in Greensburg, Connellsville, Latrobe, or anywhere across western Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Bolkovac Law Offices are ready to evaluate your record, identify every charge that may qualify for relief, and guide you through each step of the petition process. With decades of experience and direct involvement in Pennsylvania sentencing policy, our team understands how the system works and how to navigate it effectively on your behalf.

The sooner you act, the sooner you can pursue the relief that Pennsylvania law may make available to you. Waiting does not make the process faster, and some eligibility windows depend on meeting specific time thresholds without additional criminal history. Visit Bolkovac Law Offices or call 724-837-2626 today. Our team is ready to help you take the first step toward a cleaner record. Contact us for more information.