Life After Expungement
Criminal records can negatively impact your life in many ways. If you have a criminal record, you will likely experience difficulty finding a job and may even have your rental applications denied.
Additionally, having certain types of convictions on your record could disqualify you from public assistance. Even if you did the crime and served your time, it can be challenging to move on with your life.
Fortunately, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged, which can allow you to move on with your life with a clean slate.
What is a criminal record expungement?
Criminal record expungement is the removal of certain convictions or arrests from your public records. After your record has been expunged, you’ll no longer need to account for the expunged offenses on applications.
When a potential employer or landlord runs a background check, the expunged offenses will no longer show. Even though you were convicted of the crime(s), you will essentially have a clean record since it’s been expunged.
How do you qualify for an expungement?
In Pennsylvania, only certain offenses are eligible for expungement, and your case needs to meet certain requirements.
Summary offenses, such as disorderly conduct, harassment, and underage consumption can be expunged as long as you’ve stayed out of trouble for five years. If your charges were withdrawn, pardoned, or received no disposition after 18 months has passed, you’d also qualify for expungement.
Additionally, you may be able to qualify for an expungement if you were sentenced to probation without a conviction, paid your restitution, were convicted of a drug-related misdemeanor, or if you are over seventy years old.
How can expungement change your life?
Expungement restores your good name- at least as far as your criminal record is concerned. You will no longer have a criminal record to account for on the job or rental applications, nor will you need to explain your past.
You’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief, have a huge weight lifted off your shoulders, and finally be able to move on with your life. That’s what criminal record expungement can do for you.
How can an attorney help?
To begin the expungement process, you will need to obtain a copy of your court records and provide another copy to your local district attorney.
Motions for Expungement need to be filed in the same county where the offense happened. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee.
The District Attorney will have a month to accept or reject the motion. If it’s approved, the judge will sign off on it, and the Pennsylvania State Police will delete the offense from your record.
This process may sound daunting, but it’s well worth it. Fortunately, there are Philadelphia expungement lawyers who can help you with your case. If you’re interested in filing for an expungement, contact an expungement attorney today!