When is a criminal record eligible for expungement?
In Pennsylvania, the criteria for eligibility are narrow. A criminal record may be eligible for expungement if: • The verdict at trial was “not guilty.” For instance, if a person was charged with rape and simple assault, but convicted of simple assault only, the rape charge may be eligible for expungement. • The charges were dropped or dismissed. This is important because prospective employers and landlords often do not read far enough on a criminal record to see the words “charge dismissed.” An expungement would take care of that problem. • The offender successfully completed ARD. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is an alternative to usual sentencing procedures. It is usually only available to first time offenders. You do not go to jail. As long as you follow your probation instructions, you can have the offense expunged. • The crime was a juvenile crime, committed by the offender when he or she was a minor. • The governor pardons the offender. • The offender is 70 or olde
