Philadelphia Expungement & Record Sealing Attorney

Clear Your Record. Protect Your Future.

A criminal record can follow you long after your case is closed—affecting your job, housing, education, and reputation. Even charges that were dismissed, withdrawn, or resolved without conviction can still appear in background checks. But in many cases, you have the power to move on—with a clean slate.

At Thomas & Robbins LLC, I help clients across Philadelphia expunge or seal their criminal records. Whether you’re eligible to erase non-conviction charges, seal an old misdemeanor, or apply for a pardon, I’ll walk you through the process, handle the paperwork, and fight to restore your name.

Understanding Record Clearing in Pennsylvania

Expungement completely removes a charge from your criminal record, making it as though it never happened.


Record sealing (limited access) hides certain misdemeanor convictions from public view but keeps them visible to law enforcement and licensing agencies.


Redaction removes only the non-conviction charges from an arrest that included both dismissed and convicted offenses.


Pardons offer the chance to erase felony or misdemeanor convictions that don’t qualify for expungement or sealing.

You may be eligible to clear your record if:

  • Your charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or ended in a not-guilty verdict
  • You successfully completed ARD or Section 17
  • You were convicted of a minor misdemeanor and have stayed arrest-free for 10 years
  • You’ve paid all court fines and costs
  • You’ve received a pardon from the governor

Types of Relief I Handle

I help clients across Philadelphia with:

01

Expungement of dismissed, withdrawn, or not-guilty charges

03

Sealing of old M2, M3, or ungraded misdemeanors under Act 5

05

Pardon applications for felony or non-sealable convictions

02

Expungement after ARD or Section 17 completion



04

Redaction of partial records



06

Juvenile record expungements (when eligible)



Expungement & Record Sealing FAQ

Your Questions Answered

  • Can I expunge charges that were dismissed or withdrawn?

    Yes. If your charges didn’t result in a conviction, they’re usually eligible for full expungement—even if the arrest still shows up in your court record. These are some of the most common and straightforward cases to clear.

  • What convictions can be sealed in Pennsylvania?

    Under Act 5, certain misdemeanors—like drug possession, DUI, disorderly conduct, and minor theft—can be sealed if you’ve been arrest-free for 10 years. You must also have fewer than four misdemeanor convictions and no disqualifying offenses.

  • Will employers still see my record after sealing it?

    No. Sealed records are hidden from public background checks, including most employers, landlords, and schools. Only law enforcement and state licensing agencies will have access.

  • How long does the expungement or sealing process take?

    Most cases take between 6 to 10 months from filing to completion, depending on the court and whether a hearing is required. I’ll track deadlines, follow up, and keep you informed every step of the way.

  • Can felony convictions ever be cleared?

    Felony and many misdemeanor convictions are not eligible for expungement or sealing—but a pardon from the Governor can make expungement possible. If you meet the criteria, I can help you apply and build a strong case for clemency.