Certain Criminal Records Can Be Expunged or Pardoned

Criminal records having a lasting effect as some Pennsylvania and New Jersey individuals may know. They can make you ineligible for certain employment, for possessing a fire arm, for lines of credit, and so much more. So it’s no wonder everyone wants to have their record expunged. Simple truth is, however, that only certain records are expungeable. We are hear to help and conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia. Close to Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and South New Jersey.

Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. 9122, criminal records can be expunged only if the person seeking the expungement:

Was not convicted of the charged offense(s). Nonconvictions include “Not Guilty” verdicts, dismissals of charges, withdrawals of charges, nolle prosequis, successful completion of ARD; and Probation Without Verdict pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.
Is at least 70 years old and was free of arrest or prosecution during the 10 years following final release from confinement or supervision.
Has been dead for at least 3 years.
Seeks expungement of a summary offense and was free of arrest or prosecution for the 5 years following the conviction for that summary offense.

If you have a criminal record, and that record does not meet the above criteria, unfortunately, you are not entitled to have your criminal record expunged. You may, however, be entitled to a pardon. A pardon effectively erases the arrest and conviction, because of which the pardon can only be granted by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, which is headed by the Governor. Pardons are very seldom given, but the option is worth exploring.

For more information on expungements and pardons for Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks County individuals, and for a FREE consultation, please contact us at Gibbons Legal today.