This information is for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms needed for Expungement of Record in a step by step format. Expungement is controlled by 18 PACSA § 9122. Generally, expungement is the process to "remove from general review" the records pertaining to an arrest, citation, or adjudication of summary or criminal charges. However, not all criminal records are eligible for expungement, and the records may not completely "disappear." Records may still be available to law enforcement and may still be considered a prior conviction for some purposes. Expungement is not automatic, and the court may choose not to grant the request. To determine if your criminal records fall within the categories of records eligible to be expunged, consult an attorney.
Administrative Order IN RE: Expungement upon successful completion of ARD pursuant to Leh.R.Crim.P 320
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- Expunging a case from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas level
- You need a letter from the Lehigh County Bureau of Collections Office stating that you have paid all cost, fines, and restitution in full.
- Request this document be mailed to you by either going in person to the Lehigh County Bureau of Collections Office located in Room 130 on the 1st floor of the Lehigh County Courthouse or by calling (610) 782-3320
- You need a letter from the Lehigh County Bureau of Collections Office stating that you have paid all cost, fines, and restitution in full.
- Expunging a case from the Lehigh County Magisterial District Court level
- You need either an OTN docket transcript from the specific Lehigh County Magisterial District Court office at which your case was heard or a print out of the Docket sheet that shows a zero balance.
- OTN docket transcript may only be requested in person at the specific Lehigh County Magisterial District Court. If you live outside the state of Pennsylvania, you may call and request that this document be mailed to you.
- Docket sheet may be printed out from https://ujsportal.pacourts.us
- You need either an OTN docket transcript from the specific Lehigh County Magisterial District Court office at which your case was heard or a print out of the Docket sheet that shows a zero balance.
- ARD - Unless you have received a Court Order releasing you from the ARD program, you will need a letter from the Lehigh County Adult Probation Department stating that you have successfully completed the ARD program
- Probation Sentence - If you were sentenced to a period of probation for a summary offense, you will need a letter from the Lehigh County Adult Probation Department stating that you successfully met the conditions of probation
- Request either letter by calling (610) 782-3933 or by going in person to the Lehigh County Adult Probation Department located in Room G09 on the Ground floor of the Lehigh County Courthouse.
Make three (3) copies
Complete the Expungement ARD packet
Sign and date the Expungement ARD packet from Step 1 Form preparation that requires your signature
Make three (3) copies of the signed and dated Expungement ARD packet
Assemble into four (4) packets:
- One (1) packet for the Clerk of Judicial Records-Criminal containing the following completed forms and documents:
- Original Expungement ARD packet
- Original document proving cost, fines and restitution paid in full
- ARD Court Order or original letter from Adult Probation
- One (1) packet to be served on the Court Administration Office, one (1) packet to be served on the District Attorney's Office and one (1) packet for your records containing the following completed forms and documents:
- Photocopy of Expungement ARD packet
- Photocopy of document proving cost, fines and restitution paid in full
- Photocopy of ARD Court Order or original letter from Adult Probation
Take the following items to the Clerk of Judicial Records-Criminal office located in room 122 of Lehigh County Courthouse:
- All four (4) completed packets from Section 2-Form Preparation step 4
- Cash, check made payable to County of Lehigh or a money order
For current Filing Fees see http://www.lccpa.org/criminal/CriminalCourtFees.pdf - One (1) Self addressed stamped envelope
NOTE: If you change your address after filing the motion, be sure to provide written notification of your new address.
The easiest way to serve the District Attorney's Office and the Court Administration Office is to hand deliver to them while you are still at the Courthouse:
- Hand deliver the time-stamped packet to the District Attorney's Office located in Room 307 on the 3rd floor the Lehigh County Courthouse.
- Then hand deliver the other time-stamped packet to the Court Administrator's Office located in Room 614 on the 6th floor of the Lehigh County Courthouse, or
You may mail each to the address provided on the Certificate of Service
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Disclaimer
The forms and instructions that are available from this website are not a substitute for professional legal advice. Court employees cannot give you legal advice or help you fill out /complete the forms. It is your responsibility to read and complete the forms and to take required steps to file and serve the documents. If you decide to use these forms in an actual action, be prepared to spend appropriate time gathering information, completing forms and following the Rules of Court. The Court assumes no responsibility for the use of these forms and accepts no liability for actions taken by using these documents, including reliance on the instructions and/or contents. To obtain legal advice and to insure the proper use of this material, you should contact a lawyer.
If you want to obtain the service of an attorney, but do not know whom to contact, you should visit the Lehigh Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service website.