In Pennsylvania, the amount of time an expungement can take will vary. If all goes well, the process could wrap up in just a few months. However, missteps on your part can directly impact how long the process takes – or if your expungement request is considered at all.

If you are considering the expungement process, it is understandable if you hope to complete the process in short order. Understanding the factors that can lead to a delay in the process can help you streamline your application and have your case resolved as fast as possible. Contact our Criminal Law Team to discuss your options.

Factors That Can Delay the Expungement Process

The factors that can slow down your expungement case take many different forms. Some of them are structural issues that are entirely outside of your control. For example, your case is limited by the speed of the court system and the state police. The process requires that you request a background check and notify all of the relevant law enforcement groups of your filing, and high volumes can make these steps take longer.

Other factors vary based on the nature of your conviction. If you have an otherwise clean criminal record and are seeking expungement of a minor offense, the process is more likely to go by quickly. However, the district attorney in your case has the right to oppose your expungement at their discretion. The more serious the charge, the more likely they will put up a fight. If they do, you can expect the process to slow down until a contested hearing can occur.

There are also factors directly in your control that can cause delays in your expungement case. The most obvious example is if you file for expungement for an offense that is not eligible under the law. Additionally, any clerical errors made in your petition could also drag out the expungement process significantly. If the errors are significant, your case could go on for weeks before the court requires to make changes to your petition or start over entirely.

Avoid Delays with Our Criminal Law Team

Some of these delays are unavoidable and represent a standard part of the expungement process. That said, you can avoid countless delays by carefully moving forward with the expungement process. You have the right to take this on by yourself, but acting without skilled legal counsel puts you at risk of committing an error that can cost you time and money.

An attorney experienced in taking on the expungement process can make a difference in both your chances of success and the amount of time the process can take.

Our Criminal Law Team has extensive experience pursuing expungement for our clients throughout Pennsylvania. Our track record of success speaks for itself, and we look forward to putting our experience to work in your case. If you are ready to pursue the clean record you deserve, contact us online or call (888) 535-5336 as soon as possible to learn about your options.