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. (Feb. 2, 2024)
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 section of their website 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.
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)
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? - MyCleanSlatePA
MyCleanSlate.com provides information on the rights of individuals who have criminal records and how to seal or clear those records.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
Clean Slate Screener
The Clean Slate Screener is an automated service provided by Community Legal Services, a non-profit legal services organization. The mission of this service is to provide free information so that more Pennsylvanians can clear their records. Fill out a questionnaire form using your full name and other required information and the Clean Slate Screener will use the information you provide to find and show you your Pennsylvania criminal record and will send you an e-mail with personalized information.
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.
Expungement Procedures in Beaver County
Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.
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.
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.
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.
York County Expungement Guide
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.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
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
Neighborhood Legal Services has developed a new project focusing on educating individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process and providing legal assistance to those individuals who qualify for expungements or petition-based sealing. Because individuals may already face barriers to employment and housing, it is critical to remove any barriers caused by the existence of a criminal record. This brochure provides information from Neighborhood Legal Services for individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process.
Expungement Procedures in Beaver County
Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process 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
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)
Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Project Reset is a program of the Pubic 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.
York County Expungement Guide
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.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
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. (Feb. 2, 2024)
Clean Slate Screener
The Clean Slate Screener is an automated service provided by Community Legal Services, a non-profit legal services organization. The mission of this service is to provide free information so that more Pennsylvanians can clear their records. Fill out a questionnaire form using your full name and other required information and the Clean Slate Screener will use the information you provide to find and show you your Pennsylvania criminal record and will send you an e-mail with personalized information.
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
Neighborhood Legal Services has developed a new project focusing on educating individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process and providing legal assistance to those individuals who qualify for expungements or petition-based sealing. Because individuals may already face barriers to employment and housing, it is critical to remove any barriers caused by the existence of a criminal record. This brochure provides information from Neighborhood Legal Services for individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process.
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 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)
Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Project Reset is a program of the Pubic 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.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
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
Neighborhood Legal Services has developed a new project focusing on educating individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process and providing legal assistance to those individuals who qualify for expungements or petition-based sealing. Because individuals may already face barriers to employment and housing, it is critical to remove any barriers caused by the existence of a criminal record. This brochure provides 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)
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.
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)
Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Project Reset is a program of the Pubic 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. Featured videos include: 1. The Need for a Pardon; 2. Starting the Process; 3. Positioning Yourself; and 4. After Filing the Petition. (2019)
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & 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.
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.
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. (Feb. 2, 2024)
Clean Slate Screener
The Clean Slate Screener is an automated service provided by Community Legal Services, a non-profit legal services organization. The mission of this service is to provide free information so that more Pennsylvanians can clear their records. Fill out a questionnaire form using your full name and other required information and the Clean Slate Screener will use the information you provide to find and show you your Pennsylvania criminal record and will send you an e-mail with personalized information.
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
Neighborhood Legal Services has developed a new project focusing on educating individuals with disabilities and service providers about the criminal record clearing process and providing legal assistance to those individuals who qualify for expungements or petition-based sealing. Because individuals may already face barriers to employment and housing, it is critical to remove any barriers caused by the existence of a criminal record. This brochure provides 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.
Expungements
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA offers assistance with record clearing, including expungements, Clean Slate and pardons. This section of their website 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 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)
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? - MyCleanSlatePA
MyCleanSlate.com provides information on the rights of individuals who have criminal records and how to seal or clear those records.
Criminal Law
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (November 2012)
What To Do If You Are Arrested
Being placed under arrest does not always mean that you have been placed in handcuffs or taken to jail. Rather, an “arrest” is any action by law enforcement that indicates an intent to take you into custody or that restricts your movement to a degree that a reasonable person would not feel free to leave the scene. Should you be arrested, you have many rights which you may want to exercise. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association concerning your rights and what to do when arrested. (2018)
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.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
Expungement Procedures in Beaver County
Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.
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)
Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Project Reset is a program of the Pubic 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.
York County Expungement Guide
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.
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.
Butler County Forms and Information- Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons
Forms and information from the Butler County Clerk of Courts on Expungement, Limited Access, Clean Slate & Pardons.
Expungement Procedures in Beaver County
Information on expunging your criminal record in the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.
Project Reset (Allegheny County)
Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Project Reset is a program of the Pubic 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.