Expungement in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Pennsylvania allows expungement of summary convictions after five years and certain felonies under specific circumstances, with limited general eligibility.
How Pennsylvania treats Expungement
Pennsylvania permits expungement of summary convictions after five years of completion of sentence without further criminal activity. Felony expungement is more restrictive and generally available only for certain drug offenses, juvenile records, or cases dismissed before trial. Pennsylvania also allows petition for expungement of any conviction after age 70 with ten years conviction-free, offering a broader path for older offenders.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.