Criminal Records Expungement, Record Sealing & Pardons
Legal Information > Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Expungements
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information on the expungement (removal) of juvenile records and certain adult criminal records.
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
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)
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.
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)
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)
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.
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. Featured videos include: 1. The Need for a Pardon; 2. Starting the Process; 3. Positioning Yourself; and 4. After Filing the Petition. (2019)
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.
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.
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 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 Rights
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project discussing the impact of juvenile and criminal records on employment. [PDF]
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.
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.
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.
Expungements
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information on the expungement (removal) of juvenile records and certain adult criminal records.
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.
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
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)
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.
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. Featured videos include: 1. The Need for a Pardon; 2. Starting the Process; 3. Positioning Yourself; and 4. After Filing the Petition. (2019)
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.