It is natural to want a fresh start after being arrested or convicted of a crime. Expungement can clear your criminal record, making your life easier in the future. From finding a job to securing adequate housing, expunging your arrest or conviction can have a positive impact in a variety of ways. If you have questions about this process, you could benefit from the guidance of our Cranberry Township expungement lawyer.
Not everyone qualifies to have their record expunged, and the rules are strictly enforced. It is in your best interest to rely on the guidance of our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law to get the best possible outcome.
There are strict limitations on who might be eligible for expungement; our seasoned attorney in Cranberry Township could tell you whether you qualify. Many people will never qualify based on the nature of their conviction. For example, expungement is not available for violent crimes or sex offenses. However, you could be eligible to expunge certain juvenile records or convictions on summary offenses after 5 years have passed.
There are two scenarios where expungement is fairly common. First, you could expunge a wide range of offenses if you are over the age of 70 and have been arrest-free for 10 years or more. You also have the right to expunge records related to arrests or offenses if you prevailed at trial or had your charges dropped.
There are multiple steps to having your criminal record cleared. If you believe you qualify for expungement, our Cranberry Township lawyers could begin by obtaining copies of your criminal record and docket sheets. When you file a petition for expungement in court, you will need to provide copies of these documents.
It is not enough to file a motion and ask a judge for relief. First, you must serve all of your paperwork to the district attorney who oversaw your case. At that point, the prosecutor has the option of disputing your request. While a judge will make the ultimate decision, it is uncommon for them to deny a petition when the district attorney does not object.
If your petition is granted, the records related to your arrest and conviction will be destroyed. This gives you new opportunities to pursue employment or housing options without having a criminal conviction hanging over your head.
Since 2016, Pennsylvania has offered a secondary option separate from expungement known as Limited Access. The Limited Access Law does not erase your conviction entirely, but it does restrict public access to those records. Law enforcement can still review your records, but you are able to answer truthfully on job and housing applications that you do not have a conviction for that offense.
You have no obligation to hire an attorney to assist with your expungement efforts. However, there are serious risks to consider when you attempt this process on your own. Before you file anything, our Cranberry Township attorney could review your record and advise you on whether or not you qualify for removing a conviction from your record. Our insight may be invaluable, as the likelihood of success can vary from one judge to another.
Our support is especially valuable if the judge sets a hearing. Having an attorney to advocate for you during these proceedings could dramatically impact your chance of success.
More than anything, hiring a lawyer is about having peace of mind. With our legal team by your side, you can rest easy knowing you have done everything you can to clear your record and get the fresh start you deserve.
If you believe you are eligible for expungement, now is a good time to reach out and discuss your options with our team at Benjamin Levine Law. Our Cranberry Township expungement lawyer could work tirelessly to help you get the outcome you deserve. Contact us today to set up a private consultation and discuss your legal options.
As former prosecutors, our attorneys understand how the other side thinks, giving us an advantage when building a strong case for clearing your record.