New Resource Helps Pennsylvanians Understand Clean Slate and Check Their Records

If you have an arrest or conviction record in Pennsylvania, Clean Slate may be able to help you move forward — and our latest resource is designed to help you find that out.

Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate law seals certain arrest and conviction records from public view through an automated process — without requiring you to file a petition. More than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have already had records sealed through this process, helping remove barriers to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities.

But many people still do not know whether they qualify or whether their record has already been sealed.

That’s why we’ve launched a new Clean Slate Pennsylvania resource. It brings together clear, practical information to help you understand:

• Which records may qualify for automated sealing;
• How long the waiting periods are for different types of records;
• How to check what appears on your public record;
• How to access your complete Pennsylvania record, including sealed cases; and
• What record sealing may mean when you apply for a job, housing, or education.

The resource also connects you with a free Clean Slate screening tool from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. The tool can show what appears on your public Pennsylvania record and provide information about options for sealing it.

Your Record Should Not Define Your Future

When an eligible record is sealed, it is generally removed from public view and should not appear on most standard background checks. Certain government and criminal justice agencies may still have access to it, but sealing can help prevent an old record from continuing to stand between you and a new opportunity.

Whether you are looking for information for yourself, helping someone you love, or supporting people in your community, this resource can help you understand the next step.‍

‍Help Us Spread the Word

If this information could help someone you know, please share it. A simple link could help someone learn that their record has been sealed — or discover a path toward the second chance they’ve already earned.

Pennsylvania was the first state in the country to enact a Clean Slate law, and this resource is just the first in a new series designed to make those laws easier to understand. Similar resources for Connecticut and Michigan are coming soon, with more states to follow. Stay tuned!

This information is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you need advice about your particular situation, consult a licensed attorney or qualified legal services provider.