Criminal Records Expungement, Record Sealing & Pardons

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This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Employment Issues for Ex-Offenders, including Criminal Records Expungement & Pardons in Pennsylvania.

Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.

Clean Slate and Expungement Clinics

View a list of upcoming clinics on the topic of the Clean Slate Record Sealing Law and on the topic of Expungement of Criminal Records

Clean Slate 3.0 - Expands record-sealing in Pennsylvania starting February 12, 2024

Clean Slate 3.0 was enacted in Pennsylvania expanding the scope of criminal records that can be sealed. Beginning February 12, 2024 more Pennsylvania residents with criminal records will have more chances for a fresh start. The new Clean Slate 3.0 law expands record-sealing, and shortens the timeframe. This resource from Legal Aid of Southeastern PA summarizes what convictions can be sealed under the new law and when they can be sealed.

Court Fines, Fees and Restitution

This resource from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides answers to frequently asked questions about court fines, fees and restitution. Includes what are they; do they need to be paid and what arrangements can be made to pay them; can they be waived; and what is their effect on record clearing.

Erasing Your Criminal Record: How to Get a Pardon in Pennsylvania

A pardon is an act by the governor of Pennsylvania that allows a conviction to be erased from your criminal record. In Pennsylvania, a pardon is generally the only way that felony and misdemeanor convictions can be expunged, although misdemeanor convictions may be eligible to be sealed. This guide from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania will explain the pardon process and guide you through each step of the process.

Expungements

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA offers assistance with record clearing, including expungements, Clean Slate and pardons. This resource offers information on options for record clearing and instructional materials to assist with record clearing and pardons.

Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com

This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.

PardonMePA.org - Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects

This website from the Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects is designed to help you find a local Pardon Project to assist you in applying for a pardon. Pardon Projects are countywide efforts that link together community organizations (called “Pardon Hubs”) that have been trained in the pardon form and process. They also have a list of volunteers (called “Pardon Coaches”) ready to help people fill out the application. The site also provides information on pardons and how to apply for one by yourself.

You Have a Record . . . What Are Your Rights?

This resource from MyCleanSlate.com provides information on the rights of individuals who have criminal records. Included are employment rights; housing rights; and your right to a higher education.

Clean Slate and Expungement Clinics

View a list of upcoming clinics on the topic of the Clean Slate Record Sealing Law and on the topic of Expungement of Criminal Records

Expungement of Criminal Records

Expungement is when a criminal record is completely erased. When a record is expunged, no one—not even the police or courts—have access to it. The classroom provides information on when and how a criminal record can be expunged or removed from your personal record.

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Pennsylvania

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on methods for clearing your criminal record and what can be cleared from your record.

Court Fines, Fees and Restitution

This resource from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides answers to frequently asked questions about court fines, fees and restitution. Includes what are they; do they need to be paid and what arrangements can be made to pay them; can they be waived; and what is their effect on record clearing.

Criminal Record Sealing

Information from MyCleanSlatePA.com on record sealing. Describes what sealing is, who can and can not see sealed records, how to go about sealing a record and the effects of having a record sealed.

Delaware County: Helpful Legal Information for the Public - Delaware County Bar Association

Information and forms to assist self-represented litigants in certain types of Court actions compiled by the Pro Se Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association.

Expungement

Information from MyCleanSlatePA.com explaining the expungement of criminal records. Includes what is Expungement; what records can be expunged; and how to expunge a criminal record.

Expungement Explainer

Information on expungement including what criminal records can be expunged and the process for getting them expunged.

Expungement Guide/Limited Access Guide - York County

Legal information about the expungement of criminal records process in York County and about the process for limiting access to certain criminal records. These processes are designed to help individuals who are interested in the expungement of criminal records or in limiting access to qualified records to certain individuals and entities.

Expungement Procedures in Beaver County

Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.

Expungements - Allegheny County

Information on expungements of criminal records from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.

Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. ‌BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: ‌(ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)

Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com

This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.

How to Find Your Criminal Record

This resource from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides instructions on how to find your criminal record on the UJS (PA Courts) website. This is an important step in the process of clearing or sealing your criminal records. This allows you to make sure your record is ready for sealing.

How to Fix Criminal Identity Theft On Your Pennsylvania State Police Record

Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on how to deal with criminal identity theft - where someone who is arrested gives your name, date of birth, and/or Social Security number to the authorities. [PDF] (Updated 1/6/22)

Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center

The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms

Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.

PardonMePA.org - Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects

This website from the Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects is designed to help you find a local Pardon Project to assist you in applying for a pardon. Pardon Projects are countywide efforts that link together community organizations (called “Pardon Hubs”) that have been trained in the pardon form and process. They also have a list of volunteers (called “Pardon Coaches”) ready to help people fill out the application. The site also provides information on pardons and how to apply for one by yourself.

Pardon Process Explained (Video)

This video from Neighborhood Legal Services will help you understand how to submit an application for a pardon and prepare for your hearing. (2020)

Pardons

In Pennsylvania, every criminal record is eligible for a pardon after your sentence is complete. This information from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides information on how to clear your criminal record by obtaining a pardon.

Pardons - DIY: Filling Out the Application (Video)

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) has developed a series of videos explaining how to complete an application for pardon. The form to apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania is pretty short but there are things you need to know to do the best job you can filling it out, and a quality application is a key factor in getting a pardon. These videos were created by Philadelphia Attorney Joe Mitchell, a private attorney who gives free community education workshops as a volunteer for PLSE.

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Pennsylvania

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on methods for clearing your criminal record and what can be cleared from your record.

Criminal Record Clearing for Individuals With Disabilities

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services for individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process.

Employment Rights

Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project discussing the impact of juvenile and criminal records on employment. [PDF]

Expungement

Information from MyCleanSlatePA.com explaining the expungement of criminal records. Includes what is Expungement; what records can be expunged; and how to expunge a criminal record.

Expungement Explainer

Information on expungement including what criminal records can be expunged and the process for getting them expunged.

Expungement Guide/Limited Access Guide - York County

Legal information about the expungement of criminal records process in York County and about the process for limiting access to certain criminal records. These processes are designed to help individuals who are interested in the expungement of criminal records or in limiting access to qualified records to certain individuals and entities.

Expungement Procedures in Beaver County

Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.

Expungements

Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information on the expungement (removal) of juvenile records and certain adult criminal records.

Expungements - Allegheny County

Information on expungements of criminal records from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.

Expungements and Pardons

This link will direct you to information on expungements and pardons. It was prepared by Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid, who merged into a single program with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023, and are now Summit Legal Aid

Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. ‌BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: ‌(ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)

How to Remove Barriers to Employment

This handbook from North Penn Legal Services provides what you need to know about expungements, pardons, and other barriers to employment. (October 2017)

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms

Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.

Project Reset (Allegheny County)

Project Reset is a program of the Public Defender's Office of Allegheny county using a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing residents with a criminal record to “reset” their lives while providing additional information and resources for other initiatives. Initiatives include Clean Slate (record sealing), expungement of criminal records, pardons and other initiatives.

Understanding Expungement and Limited Access to Criminal Records

Informational brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. A new state law goes into effect on Nov. 14, 2016, that amends the Crimes Code to create a new option to address criminal-history-record information. Learn how this law may affect you. [PDF]

Clean Slate 3.0 - Expands record-sealing in Pennsylvania starting February 12, 2024

Clean Slate 3.0 was enacted in Pennsylvania expanding the scope of criminal records that can be sealed. Beginning February 12, 2024 more Pennsylvania residents with criminal records will have more chances for a fresh start. The new Clean Slate 3.0 law expands record-sealing, and shortens the timeframe. This resource from Legal Aid of Southeastern PA summarizes what convictions can be sealed under the new law and when they can be sealed.

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Pennsylvania

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on methods for clearing your criminal record and what can be cleared from your record.

Criminal Record Clearing for Individuals With Disabilities

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services for individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process.

Criminal Record Sealing

Information from MyCleanSlatePA.com on record sealing. Describes what sealing is, who can and can not see sealed records, how to go about sealing a record and the effects of having a record sealed.

Employment with Criminal Record

Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia relating to your employment rights and not being rejected for a job based upon a criminal record.

Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. ‌BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: ‌(ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)

Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com

This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.

How to Find Your Criminal Record

This resource from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides instructions on how to find your criminal record on the UJS (PA Courts) website. This is an important step in the process of clearing or sealing your criminal records. This allows you to make sure your record is ready for sealing.

How to Remove Barriers to Employment

This handbook from North Penn Legal Services provides what you need to know about expungements, pardons, and other barriers to employment. (October 2017)

Legal Rights of People with Criminal Records: Employment

Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on the rights of ex-offenders who are seeking employment. (October 2017)

Project Reset (Allegheny County)

Project Reset is a program of the Public Defender's Office of Allegheny county using a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing residents with a criminal record to “reset” their lives while providing additional information and resources for other initiatives. Initiatives include Clean Slate (record sealing), expungement of criminal records, pardons and other initiatives.

Understanding Expungement and Limited Access to Criminal Records

Informational brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. A new state law goes into effect on Nov. 14, 2016, that amends the Crimes Code to create a new option to address criminal-history-record information. Learn how this law may affect you. [PDF]

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Pennsylvania

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on methods for clearing your criminal record and what can be cleared from your record.

Criminal Record Clearing for Individuals With Disabilities

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services for individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process.

Erasing Your Criminal Record: How to Get a Pardon in Pennsylvania

A pardon is an act by the governor of Pennsylvania that allows a conviction to be erased from your criminal record. In Pennsylvania, a pardon is generally the only way that felony and misdemeanor convictions can be expunged, although misdemeanor convictions may be eligible to be sealed. This guide from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania will explain the pardon process and guide you through each step of the process.

How to Remove Barriers to Employment

This handbook from North Penn Legal Services provides what you need to know about expungements, pardons, and other barriers to employment. (October 2017)

PA Marijuana Pardon Project Available until Sept. 30, 2022

On September 1, 2022, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Board of Pardons announced a special 30-day-only program for people whose ONLY crime EVER was the possession of small amounts of marijuana – no other convictions ever in any state or the federal laws.

PardonMePA.org - Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects

This website from the Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects is designed to help you find a local Pardon Project to assist you in applying for a pardon. Pardon Projects are countywide efforts that link together community organizations (called “Pardon Hubs”) that have been trained in the pardon form and process. They also have a list of volunteers (called “Pardon Coaches”) ready to help people fill out the application. The site also provides information on pardons and how to apply for one by yourself.

Pardon Process Explained (Video)

This video from Neighborhood Legal Services will help you understand how to submit an application for a pardon and prepare for your hearing. (2020)

Pardons

In Pennsylvania, every criminal record is eligible for a pardon after your sentence is complete. This information from MyCleanSlatePA.com provides information on how to clear your criminal record by obtaining a pardon.

Pardons - DIY: Filling Out the Application (Video)

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) has developed a series of videos explaining how to complete an application for pardon. The form to apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania is pretty short but there are things you need to know to do the best job you can filling it out, and a quality application is a key factor in getting a pardon. These videos were created by Philadelphia Attorney Joe Mitchell, a private attorney who gives free community education workshops as a volunteer for PLSE.

Project Reset (Allegheny County)

Project Reset is a program of the Public Defender's Office of Allegheny county using a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing residents with a criminal record to “reset” their lives while providing additional information and resources for other initiatives. Initiatives include Clean Slate (record sealing), expungement of criminal records, pardons and other initiatives.

Q & A on the Pennsylvania Pardon Process (Video)

Video Questions & Answers on the Pardon Process from Penn Law School featuring Attorney Janet Ginzberg of Community Legal Services.

Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. ‌BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: ‌(ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)

Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com

This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Pardons - DIY: Filling Out the Application (Video)

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) has developed a series of videos explaining how to complete an application for pardon. The form to apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania is pretty short but there are things you need to know to do the best job you can filling it out, and a quality application is a key factor in getting a pardon. These videos were created by Philadelphia Attorney Joe Mitchell, a private attorney who gives free community education workshops as a volunteer for PLSE.

Criminal Law

Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (November 2012)

Delaware County: Helpful Legal Information for the Public - Delaware County Bar Association

Information and forms to assist self-represented litigants in certain types of Court actions compiled by the Pro Se Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association.

Understanding Expungement and Limited Access to Criminal Records

Informational brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. A new state law goes into effect on Nov. 14, 2016, that amends the Crimes Code to create a new option to address criminal-history-record information. Learn how this law may affect you. [PDF]

What To Do If You Are Arrested

Information concerning what to do when arrested.

Expungement Guide/Limited Access Guide - York County

Legal information about the expungement of criminal records process in York County and about the process for limiting access to certain criminal records. These processes are designed to help individuals who are interested in the expungement of criminal records or in limiting access to qualified records to certain individuals and entities.

Expungement Procedures in Beaver County

Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.

Expungements - Allegheny County

Information on expungements of criminal records from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.

Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. ‌BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: ‌(ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Project Reset (Allegheny County)

Project Reset is a program of the Public Defender's Office of Allegheny county using a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing residents with a criminal record to “reset” their lives while providing additional information and resources for other initiatives. Initiatives include Clean Slate (record sealing), expungement of criminal records, pardons and other initiatives.

PardonMePA.org - Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects

This website from the Pennsylvania Association of Pardon Projects is designed to help you find a local Pardon Project to assist you in applying for a pardon. Pardon Projects are countywide efforts that link together community organizations (called “Pardon Hubs”) that have been trained in the pardon form and process. They also have a list of volunteers (called “Pardon Coaches”) ready to help people fill out the application. The site also provides information on pardons and how to apply for one by yourself.

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Delaware County: Helpful Legal Information for the Public - Delaware County Bar Association

Information and forms to assist self-represented litigants in certain types of Court actions compiled by the Pro Se Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association.

Expungements - Allegheny County

Information on expungements of criminal records from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.

Project Reset (Allegheny County)

Project Reset is a program of the Public Defender's Office of Allegheny county using a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing residents with a criminal record to “reset” their lives while providing additional information and resources for other initiatives. Initiatives include Clean Slate (record sealing), expungement of criminal records, pardons and other initiatives.

Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center

The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.

Lehigh County: Expungement /Limited Access of Record (Self-Help Center)

This information from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for expungement of a criminal record or limiting access to a criminal record in a step by step format.

Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms

Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.

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