How do I expunge my record?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How do I expunge my record?
I was arrested for retail theft. It was my first conviction and I was ordered ARD, I had to complete 32 hours of community service and pay fines and complete 1 year probation. I completed all of those things. I remember the people at the ARD class said we could issue a motion to have this expunged from our records but I cannot recall what that was.
Asked on May 31, 2017 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
PA allows for those who have received and completed ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition), conviction of certain alcohol offenses to have the record of the offense expunged. Expungement will remove all records of the offense so there is no trace or indication that the record ever existed. My research suggests that when the judge orders the dismissal of the charges, they should also order the expungement of the arrest record (unless the Commonwealth presents compelling reasons why the arrest record should be retained). If your arrest was not expunged, you can contact a local attorney for help. If you want to do this yourself, here is a link to a site that provides the forms that you will need for clearing your criminal history record yourself; it is for Lancaster County but the information is generally the same throughout the state: http://www.court.co.lancaster.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/100
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.