Farrell Weaver & Okun
Experience Matters
Commutations and Expungements
Pittsburgh Expungement, Pardon, and Commutation Lawyer
Old arrests and criminal convictions can have a long-lasting effect, even after you have served any required sentence or paid any required fines.
Employers regularly use background checks as part of pre-employment screening. An old arrest or conviction can keep you from getting a job, and it could also disqualify you for certain types of federal loans.
At Farrell Weaver & Okun, our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys help individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania pursue legal options to clear or reduce the impact of a criminal record. We represent clients seeking expungements, pardons, and commutations of sentence, guiding them through complex post-conviction processes with clarity and experience.
Clearing a Criminal Record in Pennsylvania
Many people are surprised to learn that criminal records remain accessible long after fines are paid or sentences are completed. Employers, landlords, and lenders routinely use background checks when making decisions, and even a single arrest can raise concerns.
Pennsylvania law provides limited but meaningful tools to address this issue. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:
- Criminal record expungement
- A gubernatorial pardon
- A commutation of sentence
Each option has different requirements, procedures, and outcomes. Our role is to help you understand which paths may be available and how to pursue them effectively.
Pardons Versus Expungements: The Basics
An expungement is the process by which a person petitions the court to remove any arrests from the criminal record. Expungements are only available in cases where there was an arrest but not a conviction. Not every arrest is eligible for expungement; the judge has discretion over whether to grant the expungement petition.
A pardon is the only tool available to remove an old criminal conviction from a person’s criminal record. If you pled guilty or were found guilty of a crime, that conviction will remain on your criminal record unless and until you receive a pardon. The effect of the pardon is to completely remove the conviction from your record. A pardon requires a formal petition to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. If a majority of the Board of Pardons members agree, then the board will recommend a pardon to the governor. The governor makes the final decision in every pardon petition.
Petitions for Commutation of Sentence
Farrell Weaver & Okun also represent individuals who are currently incarcerated and seeking commutation of their sentences. A commutation does not eliminate a conviction but may reduce the length or severity of a sentence.
A successful commutation may:
- Reduce a maximum or minimum sentence
- Convert a sentence to allow parole eligibility
- Provide an earlier opportunity for release
Commutation petitions are reviewed by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons and ultimately decided by the governor. Each petition is evaluated based on the individual’s sentence, conduct, rehabilitation efforts, and other factors.
Questions About Expungements, Pardons, & Commutations
Am I eligible to have my criminal record expunged in Pennsylvania?
Eligibility depends on whether the case resulted in a conviction, how it was resolved, and how much time has passed. Not all arrests qualify, and courts have discretion in expungement decisions.
What is the difference between an expungement and a pardon?
An expungement removes eligible arrests where there was no conviction. A pardon is required to remove a criminal conviction from a record and must be approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons and the governor.
How long does the pardon or expungement process take?
Expungements may take several months once filed. Pardons and commutations typically take longer due to the review process and required hearings. Timelines vary based on individual circumstances.