How to Get Your Record Expunged in Philadelphia
Having a criminal record from your past can have a negative impact on your life even decades after you have served your sentence. You might have trouble finding employment, have problems finding a good apartment, or even face obstacles when applying for a loan. You have changed and want to move on with your life, but your past keeps coming back to haunt you. When you find yourself in this situation, you need arrest record removal and the advice of an experienced attorney.
If past criminal convictions are preventing you from living the life you want, you need the Philadelphia area expungement lawyers at The Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino Jr. Our attorneys can assist you with crime record expungement or provide you with representation for drug crimes in Philadelphia and a range of other criminal defense matters.
The Philadelphia Expungement Process
If past criminal convictions are preventing you from living the life you want, you need a clear path toward record clearing. The process for expungement varies significantly depending on where your original case was heard:
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Local Cases at the CJC: For most local Philadelphia arrests, the process begins at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) at 1301 Filbert Street. Petitions are typically filed on the second floor at the motions desk. Our team handles the filing of Form 490 (for summary offenses) or Form 790 (for misdemeanors/felonies) and represents you at the subsequent court hearing.
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Federal Cases: If you are seeking to clear a record within the federal system, your case would likely have been handled at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. It is important to note that federal expungement is significantly more limited than state-level expungement, often requiring a showing of extraordinary circumstances or the completion of specific diversionary programs.
Record Type Eligibility in Philadelphia Non-Convictions Eligible (Dismissed, Withdrawn, or Not Guilty). Summary Convictions Eligible after 5 years (no arrests). ARD Programs Eligible upon successful completion of the program. Misdemeanors May be eligible for “Sealing” (Limited Access) after 7-10 years.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Expungement Attorney
We all make mistakes, and if your past indiscretions have led to a criminal record, it can be difficult to move on without your arrest record sealing. You deserve a chance to wipe the slate clean with a criminal record sealing. With arrest record expungement, landlords, potential employers, and other parties will not be able to access your criminal record using a standard background check.
While it is possible to complete your criminal history expungement without the assistance of a lawyer, your chances of being successful will be greatly improved when you hire expungement lawyers to advise you. Conviction record clearing is completed by filling out the required forms, and if you make a mistake, your expungement will be rejected and you will have to start the process over again. If you are currently trying to get a better job, get a loan to buy a house, or get a passport for an upcoming trip, you can’t afford to wait for your arrest history erasure. Working with expungement lawyers in Philadelphia will give you the best chance of getting a fresh start.
You don’t have to let your past stop you from having the future you want! Criminal record expunction is possible in the following cases and more:
- You were charged with a crime as a juvenile
- You were found not guilty after a trial
- Your charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence
- You completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
Our expungement lawyers can inform you about your options in these and other cases that make conviction record sealing possible. Our team can also assist you with criminal defense if you are accused of sex offenses in Philadelphia, white collar crimes in Philadelphia, or any other crimes in the Philadelphia area.
Contact Us Today for a Free & Confidential Consultation
The sooner you get started on your criminal record clearing, the sooner you will be able to get on the path to a better life. Don’t wait to speak to the Philadelphia expungement lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino Jr. We understand that keeping your criminal record private is important to you, so every conversation you have with our attorneys will be confidential. We also offer free consultations with no obligation, so don’t hesitate to call us right away.
In addition to assisting our clients with criminal history erasure, we have also handled countless cases as DUI attorneys in Philadelphia. Let us handle your arrest record removal or any other criminal legal issues you may be facing.