PITTSBURGH EXPUNGEMENT ATTORNEY

Perhaps you were wrongfully accused of committing a crime several years ago that was dropped or dismissed. Or maybe you had a disorderly conduct or public drunkenness citation as a young adult that you'd like to get off of your criminal record. Or you may have been charged with serious felony offenses that were withdrawn in connection with a guilty plea to a lesser offense. If these situations apply to you, it is best to seek an expungement from an experienced Pittsburgh expungement lawyer. 

REASONS TO SEEK AN EXPUNGEMENT OF YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD

Pennsylvania's expungement law is found at Title 18, Section 9122. There are many reasons to seek an expungement of your criminal record, including:

  • Employment: Failing to expunge your record can be the difference between getting a new job and remaining jobless.
  • Housing: Your criminal history may prevent you from renting a house or an apartment.
  • Firearms Carry Permit: Your criminal history may keep you from getting a firearm carry permit, even if your charges were dismissed or withdrawn.
  • Act 33/34 Clearance: If you want to work with children, the sick or the elderly, a criminal record can stand in the way of necessary Act 33/34 clearance.

CAN I EXPUNGE AN ADULT MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY CONVICTION FROM MY RECORD?

Unfortunately in Pennsylvania, you cannot expunge an adult conviction from your record unless you are 70 years of age and have not been arrested in the 10 years after your final release from jail or probation. However, if you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense that does not end in a conviction because it was dismissed or withdrawn, you are eligible to expunge that charge from your criminal history.

DO WITHDRAWN OR DISMISSED CHARGES SHOW UP ON A BACKGROUND CHECK?

Yes. Many people with criminal charges wrongfully believe that once their charges are dismissed or withdrawn by a Judge, that they leave the courtroom with a clean record. However, your criminal history will show that you were charged with the offense but that the end result was a dismissal or withdrawal of your charges. So while you have not been convicted of any offense, the fact that you were charged with the offense will remain on your record until your expungement.

The case is also searchable on PA's Unified Judicial System Portal. 

THE ZUCKERMAN LAW FIRM CAN HELP

Do not wait to pursue an expungement. Gathering necessary documents and filing an expungement petition in Pennsylvania can be time-consuming, and simple errors in the process can lead to unnecessary delays. It is crucial to hire an attorney who is organized and understands both the law and applicable procedures for ensuring that your charges will be permanently removed from your record as quickly as possible.

Let the Zuckerman Law Firm work to give you the clean slate you deserve. Call us today at 412-447-5580.