Pennsylvania Felony Sealing Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate expansion (Act 36 of 2023, effective Feb 12, 2024) extended limited-access sealing to certain non-violent third-degree felonies after 10 conviction-free years. The categories are narrow and exclude most violent offenses, sex offenses, firearm-related felonies, and offenses involving children. Whether a given felony qualifies depends on the offense code, the disposition, and the petitioner's full criminal history.
Which felonies may qualify
Eligibility under the 2023 expansion is limited to certain third-degree non-violent felonies, including specific drug, property, and economic offenses. The statute and regulatory guidance enumerate the categories. Felonies excluded from sealing include any offense graded F1 or F2, any offense of violence as defined by the Crimes Code, sex offenses requiring registration, offenses involving a victim under 18, and most firearms felonies.
What sealing changes
Sealing hides the record from most private employer and landlord background checks. The record remains visible to law enforcement, the courts, and certain regulated professions. You may lawfully answer that the conviction did not occur on most employment and housing applications, subject to disclosure obligations for specific regulated positions and any federal-government role.
Why an attorney matters here
Felony sealing petitions are technically complex. The petitioner must accurately identify the offense grade, the controlling statute, the disposition, and confirm no disqualifying intervening convictions exist. Prosecutor objections are more common than in misdemeanor sealing. A Pennsylvania expungement attorney can pull the certified docket, confirm eligibility, file the petition, and represent you at any hearing.
Frequently asked questions
Are all non-violent felonies eligible for sealing in Pennsylvania?
No. Only certain third-degree (F3) non-violent felonies are eligible under the 2023 expansion. First- and second-degree felonies remain excluded, as do firearms-related felonies, sex offenses, and offenses involving children.
What is the waiting period?
Generally 10 conviction-free years after the completion of sentence, with all fines, costs, and restitution paid in full.
Does sealing a felony restore firearm rights?
No. Firearms-rights restoration in Pennsylvania is governed separately by state and federal law. A pardon followed by expungement is generally required to restore firearm rights stripped by a felony conviction.
Find an expungement attorney in Pennsylvania
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