how to find a lawyer for clean slate bill in pennsylvania

by Leonard Bergstrom 10 min read

What is the Clean Slate law in PA?

What is the Clean Slate Law in PA? Pennsylvania Governor Wolf signed the “Clean Slate” Bill on June 28, 2018. Clean Slate allows minor, non-violent cases to be automatically sealed from public records after time has passed without a felony conviction or a misdemeanor.

What is the “Clean Slate” bill?

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf signed the “Clean Slate” Bill on June 28, 2018. Clean Slate allows minor, non-violent cases to be automatically sealed from public records after time has passed without a felony conviction or a misdemeanor. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

How do I file a clean slate petition?

As previously mentioned, in order for your Clean Slate petition to be considered, you must file it in the court where the case was heard. It’s important to know that each court has its own system for filing Clean Slate petitions, and each may have a different fee associated with the filing.

How do I find more information for clean slate?

This should have most of the information you need for Clean Slate. Each case has its own Docket Sheet. The Docket has more detailed information about the case. You can check the Docket if the information is missing from your Court Summary. Hover over the magnifying glass to the left of the case number.

How does the Clean Slate law work in PA?

Under Clean Slate, criminal history record information pertaining to eligible criminal and summary records, and non-conviction records will be automatically shielded from public view when individuals have been free from conviction of offenses punishable by a year or more in prison and have completed all court-ordered ...

How long does it take to expunge a record in PA?

The typical expungement process can last anywhere between 4 to 6 months.

How can I get my record expunged for free in PA?

You can take a free Pennsylvania expungement test at RecordGone.com to see if you are eligible for expungement. If your offense was a summary offense (minor offenses such as underage drinking, highway obstruction, and retail theft), you may be eligible to expunge your criminal record.

How much does it cost to get your record expunged in PA?

Pennsylvania has expungement laws that help people who received a summary offense, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) or had an arrest that did not lead to a conviction. Expungement usually takes about 4 to 6 months. Attorneys typically charge between $700 to to $1000 to expunge your record.

Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in PA?

Pennsylvania state law also prohibits anyone who has been convicted of certain crimes from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Who is eligible for expungement in PA?

(b) Generally. --Criminal history record information may be expunged when: (1) An individual who is the subject of the information reaches 70 years of age and has been free of arrest or prosecution for ten years following final release from confinement or supervision.

What felonies Cannot be expunged in PA?

Crimes Ineligible for Expungement Assault, kidnapping, sexual offenses, and crimes involving minors typically have longer sentences and are ineligible for expungement, according to Act 56 – PA General Assembly. Even if you have a conviction that is eligible for expungement, your personal history can disqualify it.

How do I get a pardon for a felony in PA?

You will need to file a petition and attach the signed pardon document from the Governor. A judge will then order that the record be expunged, and within two to six months, all records of the crime for which you received a pardon will be erased by both the court and the Pennsylvania State Police.

What can be expunged in PA?

The expanded list of offenses that are now eligible to be expunged includes substance-related offenses such as DUI's and controlled substance and drug paraphernalia possession, as well as 2nd-degree misdemeanors such as larceny, identity theft, and reckless endangerment.

How long does something stay on your criminal record in PA?

Generally, after certain periods of time, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law will automatically seal: Non-convictions. Convictions for many second- and third-degree misdemeanors after 10 years without any further convictions. Summary offenses that are at least 10 years old.

How do I clear my criminal record?

You can apply to have your criminal record expunged when:a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence.you have not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years.the sentence was corporal punishment.More items...

What is the ARD program in Pennsylvania?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (“ARD”) Program is supervised by the ARD Chief, who reviews criminal cases for potential admission. ARD is a unique program, approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, generally for first-time offenders who have no prior criminal convictions or prior ARD dispositions.

What offenses are not eligible for clean slate?

Individuals convicted of the following offenses are not eligible for Clean Slate: Crimes involving danger to persons. Crimes against families. Firearm offenses. Full list of ineligible offenses. Also, individuals convicted of any of the following are not eligible for Clean Slate at any time: A felony.

When will Clean Slate be processed?

Processing of cases automatically will begin on June 28, 2019. Due to a large volume of cases, there will likely be a backlog of cases during the first year of the Clean Slate program. An individual who believes their record was not sealed due to a backlog, or was not sealed in error, may file an Act 5 petition for limited access. Sample Act 5 petition

What are the offenses punishable by one or more years in prison?

Four or more offenses punishable by one or more years in prison. Indecent exposure, sexual intercourse with animals, failure to register upon conviction of certain sexual offenses, weapons or implements for escape, abuse of a corpse and unlawful paramilitary training. ‌.

How to expunge a crime?

If you wish to file for expungement, submit a petition ( Summary Cases / Court Cases ) to the court of common pleas where the offense occurred .

How to find an attorney in Pennsylvania?

To find an attorney contact the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.

Where to file a limited access petition?

If you wish to petition for limited access under Act 5, submit the Act 5 petition form to the court of common pleas where the offense occurred.

Who orders expungement of a Commonwealth document?

The attorney for the Commonwealth consents and expungement is ordered by a court.

What is clean slate law?

Clean Slate is a new Pennsylvania law that uses technology to seal certain criminal records from public view. It also expands criminal record sealing to include more types of offenses, including some first-degree misdemeanors, which can now be sealed by filing petitions. Looking for more information?

When is the next clean slate?

There are 3 steps you should take to get ready for Clean Slate: Check your record to see if it has been sealed. Records will be sealed between June 28. 2019 and June 27, 2020. Pay your court costs. Fines and costs must be paid before a record can be sealed.

How long does it take to get a summary conviction sealed?

Summary convictions and some misdemeanor convictions will be automatically sealed after 10 years. Some misdemeanor convictions will require a petition in court. Felony convictions are not eligible for sealing at any time. You have to wait 10 years before your convictions can be sealed. Misdemeanor convictions are eligible for sealing ...

How to remove convictions from your record?

If the convictions on your records are not eligible for sealing, the only way to remove them from your record is through a pardon from the governor. For information about applying for a pardon, visit the Board of Pardons website.

How to find the summary of a case?

Hover over the magnifying glass to the left of the case number. Look for your complete court summary by hovering over case numbers that include the letters MD or CR, not SA or SU.

What to do if there is no grade on a conviction?

If there is no grade listed next to a conviction, you need to visit the courthouse where your case was originally brought. Ask the clerk to find your paper file, look up the grade of your charges, and enter that information into your computer record. Grade data must be entered in the computer system before your case can be sealed.

What is required to be paid before a criminal case can be sealed?

Before a criminal case can be sealed, the court fees on that case must be paid.

What is clean slate?

Clean Slate is the first law in the nation to seal certain criminal records from public view through an automated process.

How does Clean Slate work?

How It Works. Clean Slate uses technology to seal certain criminal records from public view. Arrest records will be sealed after charges are dropped and some minor conviction records will be sealed after 10 years. Automated sealing began on June 28, 2019. To date, almost 35 million cases have been sealed, without the cost ...

How many criminal cases are sealed in Pennsylvania?

Clean Slate is a new Pennsylvania law that will automatically seal 30 million criminal cases, as well as expanding sealing to include more types of misdemeanors. Employers, landlords, and schools won’t be able to see sealed cases on your record, although those cases...

How many cases have been sealed in 2019?

Automated sealing began on June 28, 2019. To date, almost 35 million cases have been sealed, without the cost of filing petitions in court. That’s more than half of the charges in the court’s database. According to a recent study, only 6.5% of people eligible for record clearing filed petitions.

When does Clean Slate take effect?

Clean Slate: A Future Without Judgment. Sep 23, 2019. Since Clean Slate took effect on June 28, Pennsylvania courts have been sealing cases on a scale never seen before. These cases are identified and sealed through an automated process, without any hearing in court or any extra fees. On the 15th of each month, the...

How many people in Pennsylvania have a criminal record?

In Pennsylvania, nearly 1 in 3 – or three million – people have a criminal record. Many have only minor convictions, while others have been arrested but never even convicted of a crime. Because of the rise of technology and background-checking, even a minor record can now cause lifelong barriers to opportunity.

Is sealed records available to the public?

Sealed records are not available to the public, helping people access employment, housing and education. Clean Slate will allow hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians to move past their old, minor criminal records.

Florida (15)

Service area: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau. St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties

Virginia (6)

Service area: Town of Herndon, Town of Manassas Park, Town of Vienna, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, City of Leesburg, City of Manassass, and Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.

How It Started

When CLS was founded in 1966, criminal records were not a significant barrier to employment, housing and education. Background searches were not the commonplace practice that they are today. As time went on, more and more people came to CLS seeking help after they were denied employment and other opportunities based on their criminal record.

A brief history of criminal record work performed by CLS

When CLS was founded in 1966, criminal records were not a significant barrier to employment, housing and education. Background searches were not the commonplace practice that they are today. As time went on, more and more people came to CLS seeking help after they were denied employment and other opportunities based on their criminal record.

When did the Clean Slate Bill come into effect in Pennsylvania?

One year ago, on June 28, 2018, Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, signed House Bill 1419, known as the “Clean Slate Bill”. Now one year later, on June 28, 2019, the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania began automatically sealing eligible criminal and summary records.

Can you expunge a criminal record under Clean Slate?

These records will NOT be expunged and will still be accessible to law enforcement and judicial officers.

Is there a backlog in Clean Slate?

Due to a large volume of cases, there will likely be a backlog of cases during the first year of the Clean Slate program. An individual who believes their record was not sealed due to a backlog, or was not sealed in error, may file an Act 5 petition for limited access.

Where do you file a clean slate petition?

As previously mentioned, in order for your Clean Slate petition to be considered, you must file it in the court where the case was heard. It’s important to know that each court has its own system for filing Clean Slate petitions, and each may have a different fee associated with the filing.

What does it mean to have a record sealed in Pennsylvania?

To have a record sealed in Pennsylvania is to have the record closed from view by the general public. However, this does not mean that the record is completely beyond the reach of certain interested parties (keep reading below).

When is the second chance law in Pennsylvania?

February 26, 2019. Records. Second Chances. While many have rightfully hailed the passage of the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law as a life-changer for those with old and minor criminal convictions, there is much about the legislation that is currently unclear. Here’s what we do know about the record sealing opportunities under ...

Can you watch videos on Clean slate?

Clean Slate allows minor, non-violent cases to be automatically sealed from public view after time has passed without conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

When will criminal convictions be sealed?

Starting in January 2020, qualifying criminal offense convictions will be automatically sealed for persons who meet the above criteria, including:

Can a first degree misdemeanor be sealed?

If you have any felonies or other first-degree misdemeanors anywhere on your record, none of your other misdemeanor convictions can be sealed.

Can you get your records sealed with clean slate?

Although most violent and sexual offenses are rightfully exempt from Clean Slate, there are other caveats in the law that can prevent you from having your records sealed: If you have any felonies or other first-degree misdemeanors anywhere on your record, none of your other misdemeanors can be sealed.