Expungements Lawyers Pittsburgh

Expungement Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA - Clearing Your Criminal Record

Everyone deserves a chance at redemption and a fresh start in life. A criminal record can cast a long shadow, limiting opportunities, and tarnishing one's reputation even after they have paid their debt to society. In Pittsburgh, PA, expungement allows individuals to wipe the slate clean, removing past mistakes from public view and giving them the chance to rebuild their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.

At Very Law, our expungement lawyers understand the negative impact a criminal record can have on your future, from job prospects to social reputation to personal relationships. Our team in Pittsburgh, PA, possesses the legal skills and compassion needed to guide you through the complex process of expungement. We will carefully assess your eligibility, meet the legal requirements, and relentlessly advocate on your behalf to ensure your record is expunged.

What Is the Expungement Law in Pittsburgh, PA?

Expungement laws in Pittsburgh, PA, allow individuals to petition the court to have certain criminal records erased or sealed from public view. The specific expungement laws in Pennsylvania can be found in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes under Title 18, Section 9122. Here are the key aspects of the expungement law in Pittsburgh, PA:

Eligibility 

Pennsylvania's expungement law provides eligibility for expungement in various circumstances, including cases where charges were dismissed, a not guilty verdict was reached, or certain low-level non-violent offenses were committed.

Waiting Period 

In many cases, there is a waiting period before you can file for expungement. This period typically starts from the date of the final disposition of the case, which may be the date of acquittal, completion of probation or parole, or the end of any required waiting period.

Limited Access 

Expungement does not necessarily mean the destruction of all records. In some cases, records may be sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies.

Juvenile Records 

Juvenile records in Pennsylvania are subject to expungement under separate provisions of the law. These provisions are typically more lenient to facilitate the rehabilitation of young offenders.

How Our Pittsburgh Expungement Lawyers will Guide and Represent You

Our Pittsburgh expungement lawyers will guide and represent you through each stage of the expungement process to ensure the best possible outcome.

Eligibility Assessment: Our lawyers will assess your eligibility for expungement. This involves a thorough review of your criminal record and the specific circumstances of your case to determine whether you meet the criteria set forth by Pennsylvania law.

Collecting Relevant Documents: We will gather all relevant documents related to your case, including court records, arrest records, and any other documents necessary to support your expungement petition.

Filing the Expungement Petition: Our attorneys will prepare and file the expungement petition with the appropriate court in Pittsburgh, PA. This document outlines the details of your case, the charges you seek to expunge, and the legal basis for the expungement request.

Serving Notice: In some cases, notice of the expungement petition must be served to relevant parties, such as law enforcement agencies or the district attorney's office. Our lawyers will ensure that this step is completed correctly.

Court Hearing: Depending on the circumstances and the response to the expungement petition, a court hearing may be scheduled. Our attorneys will represent you in court, presenting your case and arguing for the expungement of your records.

Obtaining Court Order: If the court approves the expungement request, a court order will be issued to expunge or seal your records. Our lawyers will ensure that this order is obtained and implemented.

Notification to Relevant Agencies: We will notify relevant agencies, including law enforcement and state databases, to ensure that your records are updated and sealed from public view.

Verification of Expungement: After the expungement is completed, our attorneys will verify that your records have been properly sealed or expunged and are no longer publicly accessible.

Monitoring Your Record: Our lawyers will continue to monitor your record to ensure that it remains sealed and inaccessible to the public.

Expungement vs. Sealing of Records in Pittsburgh, PA

Expungement

• Expungement is the process of completely erasing or destroying certain criminal records.
• When records are expunged, they are physically destroyed or deleted from databases, and it is as if they never existed.
• Expungement is typically available for cases where charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed certain diversionary programs, such as ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) for first-time offenders.
• Expungement is more comprehensive and offers a complete removal of records from public view.

Sealing of Records

• Sealing of records means that your criminal records are not destroyed but are instead made inaccessible to the general public.
• While sealed, the records may still be accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
• Sealing is typically available for cases involving non-convictions, summary offenses, and low-level misdemeanors.
• It provides a degree of privacy by preventing the public from accessing your criminal record, but it does not entirely erase the record as expungement does.

Benefits of Expungement in Pittsburgh, PA

The benefits of expungement in Pittsburgh, PA, include:

• Clear Criminal Record: It erases or seals certain criminal records, allowing you to legally state that you have no criminal history.
• Improved Employment Prospects: Expungement enhances job opportunities by removing barriers associated with a criminal record.
• Better Housing Options: Landlords may be more inclined to rent to individuals with clean records.
• Education Opportunities: Expungement can open doors to educational programs and financial aid.
• Professional Licensing: Some professions require a clean record, and expungement can help you meet those requirements.
• Peace of Mind: It provides emotional relief by eliminating the stigma of a criminal record.
• Protection of Privacy: It safeguards your personal information from public view.
• Enhanced Reputation: Expungement allows you to restore your reputation in the community.
• Reintegration: It facilitates reintegration into society as a productive and law-abiding citizen.

A Brighter Future Awaits You with Very Law's Expungement Attorneys

At Very Law, our experienced expungement attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA, are committed to helping clear your criminal record. Our legal team understands the complexities of expungement laws and will work hard to ensure that your records are sealed or erased. With Pittsburgh’s trusted criminal defense team by your side, you can take the vital step toward reclaiming your reputation, opportunities, and peace of mind. Get ready to start your journey toward a fresh start and a life full of new possibilities. Call Very Law today at 412-430-0131 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.