Being charged with a crime in Pennsylvania can have far-reaching consequences, especially for a person who lives outside of the bounds of the state. Pennsylvania is home to several metropolitan areas and colleges that attract students and workers to the state. When these individuals are convicted of crimes in this state, their criminal records will be held by the county where the offense was committed. One of the ways a person may clear their name is to file for one of Pennsylvania's expungement options. Records from acts in the past can interfere with a person's quality of life, and abilities to hold professional licenses in any state or jurisdiction.
Out of State Expungement Options in Pennsylvania
When a person from outside of Pennsylvania wishes to clear their name within the state, there are a few options on how to pursue this action. These options depend on the circumstances that resulted in the person's arrest or conviction, and what has transpired since that time period has passed. The options available to individuals seeking to clear their name include:
- Expungements: The standard method for clearing a person's name is expungement. This is a process that can take some time before a person is eligible. In addition, each county in Pennsylvania has its own specific process for obtaining an expungement of a record, and not every defendant may be eligible right away, or at all.
- Sealing Records: In a recent change to Pennsylvania law, the state has become much more open to allowing greater access to a person's ability to clear their name. This is done through Pennsylvania's record sealing process, which allows misdemeanor offenses to be sealed away.
- Expungement of a Juvenile Record: Many times, acts of brazen youthful foolishness can land a person with juvenile criminal records. These records can continue to interfere with a person's future long after they come of age.
Many times a person's out of state records will interfere with their own academic or career prospects. This can make it difficult for a person to move on with their life after their charges have long since been resolved.
Pennsylvania Local Expungement Attorney
Expungement and all of its forms can become lengthy and difficult processes for individuals attempting to clear their names in the state of Pennsylvania. On its own, a filing for expungement or record sealing can be a stressful and complicated task. Sometimes an individual may need to proceed to the courthouse or contact court personnel for direction and guidance into how the matter should be handled. Due to a high volume of cases, court personnel may not be as helpful as one anticipates. A Pennsylvania attorney conducting a person's expungement filing has a higher likelihood of success and can reduce the likelihood of error and delay, helping a person move on with their life sooner.
If you or a loved one is currently seeking to clear their name in Pennsylvania, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
