In 2018, Pennsylvania enacted the original Clean Slate law to help individuals get their old or minor criminal records sealed to access housing, education, employment, and other benefits. Once the record became eligible, it was automatically sealed without the individual having to file a petition. The hope was that it would remove barriers for individuals who qualified to have their records sealed and diminish the need for limited court resources.  

The Clean Slate law underwent an expansion in 2020, allowing cases to be sealed even when individuals owed fines or other costs. Since introducing this law, Pennsylvania State Police and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts estimate that more than 45 million cases have been sealed, helping over 1.2 million residents.  

When you are convicted of a crime, it can feel like your entire world is over. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can review your case and determine whether you can have your conviction sealed under Clean Slate 3.0. Call at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online. 

Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law 3.0 

The Pennsylvania Senate recently voted to expand their Clean Slate law to include specific drug and property-related felony convictions. Under this expansion, less serious drug felonies can be sealed by automation after ten years if the individual does not have a later misdemeanor or felony conviction. However, if they were sentenced to 30 to 60 months of imprisonment or more for the drug felony, their conviction would not qualify for sealing.  

The expansion also provides that some property-related felonies, like theft and forgery, can be sealed after ten years. To seal a qualifying conviction, the felony must be graded in the third degree, the victim reimbursed, and the court granted the petition. Expanding the Clean Slate law will also shorten waiting periods for sealing misdemeanors from ten years to seven years if the individual has remained conviction-free and summary convictions to five years.  

Benefits to Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law 3.0 

Whether you made a mistake or were falsely convicted, getting convicted of a felony or misdemeanor can seriously impact how you experience the world. Not only do you lose the right to vote, but you also lose the right to qualify for student loans and certain employment positions, and you may have to forfeit professional licenses or certifications for up to ten years.  

When your conviction is sealed, you regain access to these rights and privileges. You can seek employment in a field you have always wanted to work in, become a foster parent, and attend college or graduate school. The best way to ensure you are taking advantage of Clean Slate 3.0 is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.  

How LLF Law Firm Can Help 

LLF Law Firm has helped hundreds of individuals around Pennsylvania defend themselves from unpleasant criminal accusations. They understand the intricacies of Clean Slate 3.0 and how you can best benefit from it.  

To find out if your drug or property-related felony or misdemeanor conviction is eligible and what the next possible steps are, contact the Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.