In Pennsylvania, several types of cases may qualify for expungement. Non-conviction cases involve situations where you were charged with a crime but not convicted; these records can be fully expunged if you have not committed any other misdemeanor or felony offenses. Summary offenses, such as underage drinking, disorderly conduct, or public drunkenness, may be eligible for expungement once fines are paid. You may also qualify if you have successfully completed a special program like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), a pre-trial intervention offered to first-time, non-violent offenders. Additionally, individuals aged 70 or older who have not been convicted of any crimes for the past ten years may be eligible for expungement.
How Can I Get An Underage Drinking Charge Expunged?
Having a history of criminal activity on your record can jeopardize future opportunities. Many people don’t realize that even something as minor as an underage drinking charge can show up on a background check and limit your ability to get a job or be accepted for a visa.
Luckily, there’s a process called expungement, in which you can request the removal of this unwanted record from your history. However, the law varies in each state, and a need for reputable Philadelphia expungement lawyers. Let’s uncover every detail you need to know about the expungement of an underage drinking charge.
What Is Expungement?
In simple terms, expungement is the legal process of deleting or destroying your criminal record. This process aims to give opportunities to people who committed a crime in the past. As this process permanently erases your criminal charge from your history, it follows strict guidelines, and only a few cases are allowed for expungement in Pennsylvania.
Cases Allowed For Expungement In Pennsylvania
Expungement Of Underage Drinking Charge In Pennsylvania
If you’ve been charged with underage drinking, expungement is often possible. Under 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 9122(a)(3), you can file for an expungement if you have paid all fines and tickets, completed any driver’s license suspension, and submitted a petition to expunge at the Court of Common Pleas. The process can be time-consuming, often taking several months to clear your records, and approval is not guaranteed. Because of these challenges, it’s wise to work with an experienced expungement attorney who can guide you through each step, represent you in court, and improve your chances of success.
Talk To A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our criminal defense lawyer at Brennan Law Offices has more than two decades of criminal defense experience helping clients get their records expunged. We also have an experienced DUI lawyer in Philadelphia if needed.
If you have been charged with an underage drinking offense and it’s having a detrimental effect on your life, it’s time you take action. Call our criminal defense attorney at 215-568-1400 to schedule your free consultation.
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