York County, PA Expungement Lawyer

Expungement Law Firm Serving York & Lancaster County, PA

Expungement

Having a permanent criminal record can adversely affect your reputation, ability to get a job and housing or educational opportunities. By expunging your record, you can truthfully and confidently answer “no” to important questions on job applications and other documents.

There are, however, specific criteria that govern who is eligible to have their record expunged and their slate wiped clean. This is where the use of a resourceful criminal defense lawyer may be of great help with setting a new course for your future. If you are curious as to whether you are eligible for an expungement in Pennsylvania, contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today for quality legal representation.

Eligibility for Expungement

In order to be considered for expungement here are some of the qualifications that may apply in your case:

  • If you were convicted for drinking while a minor, your record may be expunged once you turn 21 years of age
  • When it was your first offense and you have successfully completed Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD
  • You can be eligible to clear your record if you were convicted of a crime as a juvenile
  • You are eligible for expungement if you have not had any arrests in 10 years and are over 70 years old
  • You may be able to expunge your record if the charges against you were dismissed or dropped

It is also important to be aware that individuals must have no further convictions for a period of five years after the crime that they are trying to expunge occurred.

Which crimes are not eligible for expungement?

Of course, not all crimes can be removed from a person’s record. Some of the misdemeanor charges that are not permitted to be expunged from an individual’s record include the following:

  • Certain firearm and weapons offenses
  • Animal cruelty
  • Sexual acts with an animal
  • Crimes that require the individual to register under Megan’s Law
  • Witness retaliation or intimidation
  • Subsequent criminal convictions

Expunging your record can clear the road to a new beginning and a brighter future. We would like to assist you in that positive goal with our effective legal representation.

The Expungement Process

The process of expungement is very complex and document-heavy. It requires the skill and attention of an experienced legal team. First, the individual must fill out a Request for Individual Access and Review (form SP 4-170), which should be mailed to the Pennsylvania State Police along with a copy of the individual’s government-issued photo ID, a legal affidavit or letter of representation, and a certified check for $20. The individual will then receive their full arrest record in the mail. The individual will have to consult with the Clerk of Courts in the county where they got arrested for the crime they wish to be expunged in order to begin the process of petitioning the court for the expungement of the crime. If the court approves the expungement,  the order must be signed by a Judge and sent to the Pennsylvania State Police, which will officially conclude the process.

Contact a Pennsylvania Expungement Attorney

If you would like to find out how you can have a fresh start by getting your criminal record wiped clean, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine whether you are eligible for an expungement. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.

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