PA's new "clean slate law" makes sealing of criminal records possible.

March 25, 2019 • by Jessica Torres

While expungement is still available to those seeking to completely remove certain offenses from their record, Pennsylvania now has a new and broader law that provides for the sealing of eligible criminal records.

The state’s “Clean Slate Law” went into effect in December. The law allows residents of Pennsylvania with non-violent misdemeanor records to have those records sealed if they have stayed out of trouble for 10 years and paid all fine.

Sealing will occur automatically between June of this year and June of next year for some cases. In other situations, a petition must be filed with the court. Dischell Bartle Dooley attorneys can assist with the filing of a petition before automatic sealing starts. Our attorneys can also help you with a petition to have a criminal record expunged.

Why is it a good idea to seal your record? Criminal records are widely used on a day-to-day basis, for example, by employers seeking to hire or landlords making a determination of which tenant they would like in their property. Sealing your record gives you an opportunity to move forward from past mistakes.

If you are interested in sealing or expunging a record, call our attorneys at 215-362-2474 or click here to email our office.