{"id":375939,"date":"2017-06-13T10:45:28","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T15:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-philadelphia.html"},"modified":"2018-03-27T11:24:40","modified_gmt":"2018-03-27T16:24:40","slug":"how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-philadelphia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-philadelphia.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Expunge a Criminal Record in Philadelphia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Expunge a Criminal Record in Philadelphia<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Record expungement<\/a> is when all records of your arrest, charge, or conviction are destroyed. In Pennsylvania, you can get your adult criminal record expunged<\/a> by filing a Petition for Expungement with the Court of Common Pleas in the county in which the offenses occurred. However, the procedure to expunge your record is tricky, which is why FindLaw has created this summary to help illuminate the process.<\/p>\n

Obtain Your Criminal History<\/h2>\n

The Petition for Expungement is required to contain information such as the subject’s name, date of birth, social security number, the offenses with which the subject was charged, the case’s docket number, the offense tracking number and the disposition of the case. If this information is not provided, the petition will be dismissed regardless of its merits. Therefore, it is essential to obtain a copy of your rap sheet<\/a> before you file the Petition. You can submit a request online<\/a> or submit a criminal history request form.<\/p>\n

The Petition for Expungement<\/h2>\n

There are two different forms you may use to file your petition. If you are trying to expunge summary offenses (not requiring a jury), also known as violations or infractions, use this form<\/a> pursuant to Criminal Procedure Code section 490. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, instead use this form<\/a> pursuant to Criminal Procedure Code 790.<\/p>\n

Once you file the petition, a hearing will then be scheduled before a judge who will determine whether to grant the expungement request or not. In making this determination, the judge will take into consideration factors such as:<\/p>\n