A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your future, affecting your employment, housing opportunities, and even your personal relationships. If you’ve been convicted of or charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if there's a way to clean the slate. At Aegis Law, LLC, we help individuals in Philadelphia understand their legal options when it comes to expungement and record sealing.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal charge or conviction from your public record. In Pennsylvania, not all offenses are eligible for expungement, but there are several key categories where it may apply:

• Non-conviction records (e.g., charges that were dismissed, withdrawn, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict)
• Summary offenses after five years with no further arrests or prosecutions
• Underage drinking offenses after reaching age 21
• Criminal records of individuals over 70 who have remained arrest-free for 10 years
• Deceased individuals' records, at the request of family or estate representatives

It’s important to note that felonies and misdemeanors that resulted in a conviction generally cannot be expunged, but they may be eligible for record sealing under Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Law.

What About the Clean Slate Law?

Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Law allows for automatic sealing of certain criminal records after a period of time, as long as the person has not reoffended. Eligible records include:

• Second- and third-degree misdemeanors
• Some summary offenses
• Certain low-level, non-violent crimes

These records aren’t visible to the public but may still be accessed by law enforcement and certain government agencies.

How Aegis Law, LLC Can Help

Navigating expungement and sealing laws can be complex. At Aegis Law, LLC, we work closely with clients throughout the Philadelphia area to assess their eligibility, prepare necessary petitions, and advocate on their behalf in court when needed.

Whether you’re trying to move on from a dismissed charge or seeking a second chance through the Clean Slate Law, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.