Pennsylvania Clean Slate Sealing Attorneys

Reviewed: May 15, 2026

Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9122.2 and 9122.3, as expanded by Act 36 of 2023) automatically seals many summary offenses, qualifying misdemeanors, and certain non-violent felonies after a conviction-free waiting period. Automatic sealing does not destroy the record — it hides it from public view, including from most private employers, landlords, and background-check companies. Where automatic sealing has not occurred or does not apply, a petition for limited-access sealing under § 9122.1 or a full expungement under § 9122 may be available.

Quick answer: Clean Slate Sealing in Pennsylvania

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

What Clean Slate seals automatically

Under Act 36 of 2023 and its predecessors, the courts automatically seal: summary offenses after 5 conviction-free years; many second-degree and third-degree misdemeanors after 7 years; and a defined list of non-violent third-degree felonies after 10 years. Pardoned offenses are also automatically sealed. The petitioner does not file anything — the AOPC and the courts identify and seal eligible records on a rolling basis.

When you still need to file

You generally need to file a petition if: your case is outside the auto-seal eligibility list, your record predates the data the Clean Slate system can match against, you want full expungement (record destroyed, not just hidden), you have outstanding restitution that must first be paid, or your prior automatic-sealing review missed your case. A Pennsylvania expungement attorney can pull your record from the PATCH system, confirm what was sealed, and file the appropriate petition for anything that was missed.

What sealing means for you

Once sealed, the record is hidden from most public records searches and from most private employer and landlord background checks. You may lawfully answer that the conviction did not occur on most employment and housing applications, with limited exceptions for certain regulated occupations (healthcare, education, law enforcement) and federal-government positions. Law enforcement and the courts retain access to sealed records for limited official purposes.

Cost and timing

Automatic sealing has no cost. Petition-based sealing or expungement typically involves a court filing fee around $132, a Pennsylvania State Police processing fee of $22, and any attorney fees. Attorney fees vary by county and case complexity — ask any attorney you contact for a written quote before retaining them. We do not set or estimate attorney fees and do not collect referral fees.

How to verify or petition for Pennsylvania Clean Slate sealing

Check PATCH system for sealed records. Request your criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system at epatch.pa.gov to verify which records have been automatically sealed under Clean Slate.
Identify unsealed eligible records. Your attorney reviews your criminal history to identify any records that qualify for automatic sealing but were not sealed, or records that require petition-based sealing under § 9122.1.
Verify all financial obligations paid. Confirm all court costs, fines, and restitution are paid in full. Outstanding financial obligations block sealing and expungement petitions in Pennsylvania.
Determine correct petition type. Your attorney determines whether to file for limited-access sealing under § 9122.1, full expungement under § 9122, or contact AOPC to correct missed automatic sealing.
File petition in Court of Common Pleas. Your attorney files the sealing or expungement petition in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the case originated. Filing fee is approximately $132 plus $22 State Police processing fee.
Serve District Attorney. The petition must be served on the District Attorney, who reviews the case and may object if eligibility requirements are not met.
Wait for court review. The court reviews the petition and criminal history. Most counties take 3-6 months from filing to order. If the DA objects, a hearing is scheduled.
Attend hearing if required. If the DA objects or the judge requests a hearing, your attorney presents evidence that you meet all statutory requirements for sealing.
Receive sealing or expungement order. Once the judge signs the order, certified copies are sent to the State Police and all agencies that maintain records. Records are sealed or destroyed according to the order.

Statutes cited

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9122.2 (Automatic sealing - summaries and misdemeanors) — 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.2
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9122.3 (Automatic sealing - certain felonies under Act 36) — 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.3
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9122.1 (Petition-based limited access) — 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1

Frequently asked questions

Is Clean Slate sealing automatic?

For eligible records, yes. The courts and the AOPC identify qualifying summaries, misdemeanors, and certain non-violent felonies and seal them on a rolling basis without any filing by the individual.

How do I check if my record was sealed?

Pull your record from the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system at epatch.pa.gov. If a record you expected to be sealed still appears, an attorney can review whether the case qualifies and, if so, file a petition or contact AOPC for correction.

What is the difference between sealing and expungement?

Sealing hides the record from most public view but preserves it for limited official use. Expungement destroys the record entirely. Pennsylvania allows full expungement only for limited categories — non-convictions, ARD completion, pardoned offenses, summary offenses ≥ 5 years old, and most cases for individuals 70 or older with 10 conviction-free years.

Does sealing restore my firearm rights?

No. Firearms-rights restoration in Pennsylvania is a separate process governed by state and federal law. Sealing or expunging the underlying conviction does not by itself restore firearm rights stripped by a felony.

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