Felony Funk and Fresh Starts: Expungement in the Keystone State
So, you've got a felony on your record. Maybe it was a youthful transgression fueled by questionable fashion choices (glitter was a bad look in 2003, let's be honest), or perhaps a misunderstanding involving a particularly grumpy librarian and a misplaced thesaurus. Whatever the reason, this felony is clinging to you like a stubborn fruit fly at a picnic. Fear not, fellow Pennsylvanian! There might be a way to swat that fly away and get a fresh start. Let's dive into the wonderful world of expungement in the good ol' Keystone State.
Expungement: Erasing Your Past (Like That Embarrassing High School Photo)
Expungement is like magic, but with way less hocus pocus and a lot more paperwork. It essentially means getting your criminal record squeaky clean. Those pesky details of your felony conviction? Poof! Gone! Like it never even happened (except for maybe that time you regaled your friends with that hilarious "accidental librarian heist" story).
 |
| Can You Get A Felony Expunged In Pennsylvania |
But Can You Actually Do It?
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Now, here's the not-so-magical part: expunging a felony in Pennsylvania isn't exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it's more like a hike up a moderately challenging hill. Here's the deal:
Generally, you can't expunge a felony conviction unless you get a pardon first. Think of a pardon as a judge saying, "Hey, that whole thing was a big misunderstanding, and you deserve a second chance."
There is a magical age loophole! If you're over 70, haven't gotten into any trouble in the past 10 years, and can convince a judge you're a reformed character, then you might be eligible for expungement without a pardon. Basically, senior citizens get all the breaks.
The Bottom Line
Expunging a felony in Pennsylvania can be tricky, but it's not impossible. If you're looking for a fresh start, it might be worth talking to a lawyer to see if you qualify for a pardon or expungement.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Bonus Tip: While you're at it, you might want to consider apologizing to that librarian. Trust us, they probably haven't forgotten about the thesaurus incident.
 |
FAQs: Expungement Edition
How to find out if my felony can be expunged?
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
A lawyer can help you determine your eligibility for expungement based on your specific situation.
How to get a pardon in Pennsylvania?
The process involves filing an application with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. There are fees and specific requirements, so consulting a lawyer is recommended.
How long does it take to get a pardon?
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
The wait time can vary depending on the caseload, but it generally takes several months to a year.
How much does expungement cost?
There are filing fees associated with expungement petitions, but the overall cost can vary depending on your situation.
How to find a lawyer specializing in expungement?
Look for lawyers who advertise their expertise in criminal law and expungement. The Pennsylvania Bar Association website can be a helpful resource.
 |
