Expunging Your Record After Charges Are Dismissed in Pennsylvania
You may be able to expunge your criminal record in Pittsburgh. Attorney Mike Worgul at Worgul Law offers free consults 24/7.
Getting criminal charges dismissed can feel like a huge relief—because it is. But even if your case is thrown out, those charges might still show up on background checks, affecting your job prospects, housing opportunities, and reputation.
If your charges were dismissed, you may qualify for an expungement to wipe the slate clean. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, we help people across Pennsylvania seal their records and move forward with confidence.
Call our office today at (412) 281-2146 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Why You Should Expunge Dismissed Charges
Even if your case never resulted in a conviction, the arrest and court proceedings can still appear on your criminal record. That means:
- Employers might question your background
- Landlords may deny rental applications
- Volunteer organizations might see red flags
- Professional licensing boards could raise concerns
Unfortunately, dismissed charges can carry a lasting stigma. The best way to protect yourself is to remove the charges through a legal process called expungement.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a court-ordered process that removes certain criminal charges from your record. Once an expungement is granted:
- The public can no longer view the charges.
- Most private background checks won’t show anything.
- You can legally answer “no” when asked if you’ve ever been charged with a crime.
For many people, expungement provides a much-needed fresh start.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law allows expungement in limited situations, but dismissed charges are often eligible. You may qualify if:
- Your charges were dismissed or withdrawn.
- You were found not guilty at trial.
- You completed a diversionary or ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program.
- The case is fully resolved and meets all court requirements.
Additional requirements might include:
- A waiting period with no further arrests
- Completion of community service or counseling (if applicable)
- Payment of any fines or court costs
- No pending charges or active investigations
Our attorneys will review your case and determine if you meet the criteria.
How to Expunge Dismissed Charges in Pennsylvania
While the expungement process may sound simple, it involves specific steps and documentation. Here’s how it typically works:
-
Filing a Petition
You must submit an expungement petition with the correct forms to the appropriate county court. -
Providing Case Information
You’ll need to supply court documents, proof of dismissal, and certify your eligibility. -
Notifying the Prosecutor
The District Attorney’s office has the right to object. If they do, a hearing may be scheduled. -
Attending a Hearing (if necessary)
Most cases don’t require court appearances, but some do—especially if your case is complex or disputed.
With a knowledgeable attorney handling the paperwork and procedures, your chances of a successful expungement increase significantly.
Why Hire a Pennsylvania Expungement Lawyer?
Even dismissed charges can leave behind a paper trail. An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Help you avoid delays and costly errors
- Ensure your petition meets all legal requirements
- Advocate for you if your case requires a hearing
- Work quickly to clear your name
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, our team has extensive knowledge of how Pennsylvania expungement laws work, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Talk to a Pittsburgh Expungement Lawyer Today
The expungement process is fairly direct, but there are some aspects that can be complicated. Mistakes can cost you valuable time and possibly jeopardize your expungement. Hiring an expungement lawyer who practices in your state can help you get your expungement quickly and without issue.
If there are problems with your case, your lawyer will know what steps need to be taken to fix them so that you can move forward with getting your charges expunged.
To discuss your options for an expungement in Pennsylvania, call contact Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC. Call our office today at (412) 281-2146 or fill out our online contact form.