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1500 Walnut Street, PhiladelphiaMonday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.(215) 555-0148

Clearing a record

An old record that still shows up

A background check does not care that a charge was years ago. A job, an apartment or a license can still turn on it.

We file petitions to seal or expunge arrests and some convictions, and we tell you at the start whether the record you have is eligible. If it is not, we say so and explain what would change that.

Most of the work is paperwork: tracking down the court files, checking dates and waiting periods, and writing a petition a judge can grant without questions.

An expanding file box full of folders on a wooden desk

Charges we take

The records we can look at

Each of these has its own rules and waiting periods. We check yours before you pay for anything.

  • Arrests with no conviction

    Charges that were dropped, withdrawn or ended in a not-guilty verdict and still appear.

  • Older minor convictions

    Some low-level convictions can be sealed after a period with no new case.

  • Juvenile records

    Records from a case when you were under 18, which are often easier to clear than people expect.

How it goes

From the first look to the order

This is paperwork work. We keep the list short so you always know where the petition is.

  1. 01

    Step 1: We pull your record

    We get the court and state records and check what is actually there.

  2. 02

    Step 2: We check eligibility

    You get a plain answer about what can be filed now and what has to wait.

  3. 03

    Step 3: We file and follow it

    We file the petition, tell you the hearing date and update you when the order is signed.

Record questions

How long does a petition take?

It depends on the court and whether anyone objects. We give you an estimate when we know which court your file is in.

Will sealing erase the record for everyone?

Not always. Some agencies can still see sealed records. We list who they are before you decide.

Can you promise it will be granted?

No lawyer can. The judge decides. We tell you if the petition looks strong, weak or uncertain.

Want to know what you can clear?

Call or send a message with your name and the court. We will tell you whether we can help.

Please do not send confidential details through this site until we have spoken.