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How does Pennsylvania’s new limited access law differ from expungement?

News Article

November 17, 2016

Limited access is a new law, effective Nov. 14, 2016, that lessens barriers to employment, housing and education by removing a conviction from public view upon request of the individual and approval of the court. Even though records are removed from public view, criminal justice agencies will still have access to those records. 

There are significant differences between limited access and expungement of records. The infographic below highlights these differences and steps involved in filing a petition with the court. Reporters are encouraged to use the full graphic or parts of the graphic by downloading a high-resolution version.

PA Courts InfoShare is a bi-weekly product of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) that visually highlights the work of the courts with interesting data and statistics obtained through the judiciary’s case management systems, interactive dashboards and other research. Reproduction is permissible with source cited. 

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Media contact: Kimberly Bathgate, 717-231-3331