How to Get a Criminal Record Expunged in Pennsylvania

Criminal Defense Attorney Explains the Process

Video Transcript:

Rob Rosenthal:

Do you know the process for getting an expungement in Pennsylvania? We're asking Pennsylvania lawyer Frank Walker for an Ask the Lawyers Quick Question.

Frank Walker:

You wanna make sure your court costs are all paid, you're done with probation, and depending on the misdemeanor or lower level felony offense, you can get an expungement over a period of time. It has to be a time elapse. For example, if it's a summary offense, has to be completely off your record. If you've been convicted of that summary offense, you have to wait five years. Misdemeanors have different rules also, so you have to make sure you wait the requisite time period, pay off all your fines and court costs, complete your probation, be totally done with any type of supervision before you can move for an expungement. Once you get the expunged done through an attorney, have them file the paperwork. Odds are there's not gonna be a hearing, they can waive your appearance. It gets filed with the court, you pay the filing fee, and it gets expunged and wiped off your record.

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