Can You have a felony expunged in pa?

Can You Have a Felony Expunged in PA?

In the state of Pennsylvania, the answer to this question is a resounding "maybe." While it is possible to have a felony expunged in Pennsylvania, it is a complex and often challenging process. In this article, we will delve into the details of felony expungement in PA, including the eligibility requirements, the process, and the benefits of having a felony expunged.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for felony expungement in Pennsylvania, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Time Served: You must have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole, for at least 10 years.
• No New Charges: You cannot have any new charges pending or have been convicted of a new crime during the 10-year period.
• No Violations: You cannot have any violations of your probation or parole during the 10-year period.
• No Felony Convictions: You cannot have any other felony convictions during the 10-year period.

The Expungement Process

The expungement process in Pennsylvania involves several steps:

1. Petition for Expungement: You must file a petition for expungement with the court where your felony conviction was entered.
2. Supporting Documents: You must provide supporting documents, including:

   • A copy of your conviction record
   • A copy of your sentence and release papers
   • A letter from your probation or parole officer stating that you have completed your sentence and have not violated your probation or parole

3. Hearing: A hearing will be held to determine whether your petition for expungement should be granted.
4. Order of Expungement: If your petition is granted, the court will issue an order of expungement, which will be filed with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Benefits of Felony Expungement

Having a felony expunged in Pennsylvania can have significant benefits, including:

• Increased Employment Opportunities: With a felony expunged, you may be able to obtain employment that was previously unavailable to you due to your felony conviction.
• Improved Credit: A felony expungement can improve your credit score, making it easier to obtain credit and loans.
• Reduced Stigma: Having a felony expunged can reduce the stigma associated with your conviction, allowing you to reintegrate into society with greater ease.
• Increased Access to Public Housing: With a felony expunged, you may be eligible for public housing that was previously unavailable to you.

Fees and Costs

The fees and costs associated with felony expungement in Pennsylvania are as follows:

• Filing Fee: The filing fee for a petition for expungement is $350.
• Court Costs: You may be required to pay court costs, which can range from $100 to $500.
• Criminal History Record Check: You may be required to pay a fee for a criminal history record check, which can range from $10 to $20.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is possible to have a felony expunged in Pennsylvania, it is a complex and often challenging process. To be eligible for expungement, you must meet certain requirements, including completing your sentence and having no new charges or violations during the 10-year period. The expungement process involves filing a petition with the court, providing supporting documents, and attending a hearing. Having a felony expunged can have significant benefits, including increased employment opportunities, improved credit, reduced stigma, and increased access to public housing. However, the fees and costs associated with expungement can be significant.

Table: Eligibility Requirements for Felony Expungement in PA

Bullets: Benefits of Felony Expungement in PA

• Increased employment opportunities
• Improved credit
• Reduced stigma
• Increased access to public housing