Project Reset

For many in our community, having interactions with the judicial system can have an impact on life after the case. Having a criminal record can impact whether a person can secure employment, be eligible for a loan or housing, go back to school to get an education, and many other opportunities. Recognizing this, Allegheny County has focused on a variety of initiatives that are focused on allowing our residents a “reset” while also providing additional information and resources for other initiatives.

Clean Slate

A new Pennsylvania law, referred to as “Clean Slate” took effect on June 28, 2019. The law provides for the automatic sealing of criminal charges that meet certain requirements. If a charge is sealed, it is no longer available for public viewing.

Learn more about Clean Slate(PDF, 45KB) or visit mycleanslatepa.com for additional information about the law and resources. The website was created by Community Legal Services through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Expungement

Expungement is a legal process that can clear charges and minor convictions from a person’s record. The Public Defender’s Office, Court Records, CountyStat and Computer Services have partnered together to create an online quiz for individuals to determine if they may be eligible for an expungement. While the tool can be used by anyone in Pennsylvania, the Public Defender’s Office is offering services to individuals who may be eligible for an expungement and whose charges were filed in Allegheny County.

Take the Expungement Quiz to determine if you may be eligible or, for additional information, this Expungement Guide(PDF, 751KB) provides detail about the process. (Please note that the quiz will also provide information if charges are eligible to be sealed under the Clean Slate Law and if your charged can only be cleared by pursuing a pardon.)

State Pardon

Some state crimes are only eligible for a pardon from the Governor’s office. That process is begun in the Board of Pardons at the state. For additional information about that process, including application information and the requirements that must be met to apply, visit Board of Pardons for more information.

Federal Pardon

If you were charged with federal crimes, you can learn more by visiting the Federal Pardon information page on the U.S. Department of Justice's website.

Fines and Fees

Many times, at the conclusion of one’s term of probation, if there remains an unpaid balance of court imposed Fines and Fees, that balance is sent to private collection agencies. This can negatively affect credit scores making it difficult to obtain loans for schooling or housing. It is sometimes possible to petition the Court of Common Pleas to remove fines and fees from collection agencies. If your unpaid court costs have been sent to collections and you’d like to inquire about the process of petitioning the Court of Common Pleas, please email us at OPDExpungements@alleghenycounty.us.

A Different Perspective

While many of the barriers for people who have a criminal record are not within the purview of the county, employment is – or at least employment with the county. We recognize that job candidates with records have already served their sentence and are interested in becoming a productive member of society. Access to employment also decreases recidivism and can increase the economic viability of communities. It’s a matter of fairness in the workplace.

In November 2014, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald directed Human Resources to re-work its job application processes to eliminate a question that asks about a criminal background. This step was taken to increase the pool of job candidates and to diversify the workforce. The Ban the Box initiative took effect on January 1, 2015.

To learn more about the county’s hiring process, view open positions and apply for jobs with the county, visit Allegheny County's Careers page.

Fair Chance Business Pledge

In October 2016, County Executive Fitzgerald was joined by City of Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto in signing the White House Fair Chance Business Pledge. In addition to committing to work to eliminate hiring barriers, the two elected officials called on area businesses to join the county and city in eliminating unnecessary hiring barriers for individuals with criminal records.

"Our community only does well, moves forward and continues to succeed if we can all share in those successes,” said Fitzgerald. “By providing opportunities for individuals with criminal histories to take alternate paths in their lives, we improve our community as well as have an impact on their lives and the lives of their families.”

The county has been a national leader in providing employment and training services to inmates at the Allegheny County Jail offering them opportunities for careers and additional training that make it easier to reenter society following release. Inmates can receive training in culinary, machining, manufacturing, bricklaying and construction. The effort, coupled with the Allegheny County Jail’s reentry programs and other pre-release services, gives those incarcerated a fair chance at finding gainful employment and reducing the chance of recidivism.