An assault conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. It can make it difficult to find a job, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also prevent you from traveling to certain countries and owning a firearm.

If you have an assault conviction on your record, you may be eligible to have it expunged. Expungement is a process that removes a criminal conviction from your public record. Once your conviction is expunged, it is as if it never happened.

What is assault under Pennsylvania law?

Assault is a crime of violence that involves the intentional threat or use of force against another person. Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense.

Misdemeanor assault charges include:

• Simple assault
• Reckless endangerment
• Terroristic threats

Felony assault charges include:

• Aggravated assault
• Assault by prisoner
• Assault of a police officer

Can I expunge an assault conviction in Pennsylvania?

Whether or not you are eligible to expunge an assault conviction in Pennsylvania depends on the following factors:

• The type of assault conviction you have
• How long ago you were convicted
• Whether or not you have any other criminal convictions

Expunging misdemeanor assault convictions

You can only expunge a misdemeanor assault conviction if you were never convicted of the charge or if you completed a diversionary program. A diversionary program is a type of probation that allows you to avoid a conviction if you successfully complete the program.

Expunging felony assault convictions

You cannot expunge a felony assault conviction in Pennsylvania. However, you may be eligible to have your conviction pardoned by the governor. A pardon is a formal forgiveness of a crime.

How to expunge an assault conviction in Pennsylvania

If you are eligible to expunge an assault conviction in Pennsylvania, you must file a petition with the court. The petition must include the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• The date of your conviction
• The type of assault conviction you have
• The reason you are requesting expungement

You must also attach a copy of your criminal record to the petition.

Once you have filed your petition, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to grant your request for expungement.

Benefits of expunging an assault conviction

There are many benefits to expunging an assault conviction. Once your conviction is expunged, you will be able to:

• Find a job more easily
• Qualify for housing and educational opportunities
• Travel to certain countries
• Own a firearm

Contact a criminal record expungement attorney

If you have an assault conviction on your record and you are considering expungement, you should contact a criminal record expungement attorney. An attorney can help you determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement and can assist you with the expungement process.

Conclusion

An assault conviction can have a serious impact on your life, but it is important to remember that there are options available to you. If you are eligible to expunge your assault conviction, it is in your best interest to do so. Expungement can help you put your past behind you and move forward with your life.

Additional information on expungement for assault offenses in Pennsylvania

In addition to the information provided above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about expungement for assault offenses in Pennsylvania:

• You can only expunge one assault conviction in your lifetime.
• You cannot expunge an assault conviction if you are currently on probation or parole.
• You cannot expunge an assault conviction if you have any pending criminal charges.
• You must pay a filing fee to expunge an assault conviction.

If you have any questions about expungement for assault offenses in Pennsylvania, you should contact a criminal record expungement attorney. An attorney can provide you with more information about the expungement process and can help you determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement.