When other people make questionable choices or mess up, they are often quick to remind you that everyone makes mistakes. However, when you have a record following you everywhere you go, you might find that people are not so quick to give you another chance to prove yourself.
A criminal background can hold serious consequences. It could prohibit you from going to college, getting a job or living where you choose. But thanks to some Pennsylvania court officials, you might have the opportunity to start over with a clean slate.
What are some of the qualifications for getting your record sealed?
While online records may make research easier, you might wish that a charge (even without a conviction) would not be accessible to the public.
This year, officials plan to scrub tens of millions of old, nonviolent charges from the state’s public docket. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, and it is drawing interest from around the country.
Supporters of the Clean Slate law believe sealing records could help you if you:
Paid your fines
Served your time
Stayed out of trouble for at least 10 years
Struggle with employment and housing because of your old record
In many cases, if you want to expunge your record, you have to hire legal representation to petition a judge. However, thanks to action from the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), your record could disappear as they seal more than half of their total caseload.
Advocates believe a clean slate could give you the chance to live a productive life, contribute to the economy and reduce your chances of reoffending. But depending on your situation, if you get a second chance, you might simply be thankful for the opportunity to provide for your family.
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