Clearing Your Record: PA Tampering with Public Records
You are likely to be aware of how a criminal record can have far-reaching consequences, especially for a conviction for “tampering with public records or information.” In this case, you’re also aware how these consequences go beyond incarceration and monetary penalties. It can affect your career and educational opportunities, and even hinder your ability to secure a rental accommodation or a loan. However, Pennsylvania law provides many options for individuals seeking to seal or expunge their criminal records.
Usually, expungement is the best way to destroy a criminal record. However, not many with felony or misdemeanor convictions in PA qualify for expungement. But, you might be able to reduce public access to your criminal records or arrest through a petition or automatic sealing. A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you through this process.
The Statute for Tampering with Public Information or Records
You might be charged with tampering with public information or records if you:
- Intentionally falsify government records or documents for information purposes.
- Create or use a false document with the intent to deceive as a genuine government record.
- Unlawfully destroy or impair government records or documents.
Penalties for Tampering
The charge or grading for tampering in PA will change based on the case’s circumstances. However, public record tampering in PA can vary from a third-degree felony to a second-degree misdemeanor. The statute says, “[a]n offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree unless the actor intends to defraud or injure anyone, in which case the offense is a felony of the third degree.” 18 Pa. C.S. § 4911
Penalties for Misdemeanor
A charge for public record tampering is usually a second-degree misdemeanor unless the state proves you intentionally defrauded someone. A misdemeanor might seem minor, but the penalties can include jail time. Second-degree misdemeanor in PA is punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of $500 to $5000.
Penalties for Felony
If you have the intent to injure or defraud someone, the charge becomes a third-degree felony. In PA, this conviction is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine of $2500 to $15,000. This also becomes a felony criminal record, which can affect graduate school or college applications, security clearances, job applications, and professional licensing.
Sealing Criminal Record
The “Clean Slate” law was passed in 2019, and before that, most people who were eligible never got their records sealed. They either didn’t know they could or the court process felt too overwhelming. Now, the state will immediately seal the records after 5-10 years.
With the help of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, you get your records sealed automatically if:
- You have a second or third-degree misdemeanor or a summary offense conviction.
- The court didn’t find you guilty, and the charges were dismissed by the state.
- You have a misdemeanor conviction that’s punishable by jail time of no more than 5 years.
You might qualify for automatic sealing of your court records and arrest under the Clean Slate Act. The waiting period is usually 10 years. Consult an experienced expungement and sealing Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to discuss your options.
Hire an Experienced PA Expungement and Sealing Lawyer
If you have a tampering with public information or records of conviction on your record, you’d prefer to explore more options for cleaning your record. You need to talk to a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer well-versed in handling sealing matters in PA.
Logue Law Group has an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer team that has been helping people clear up their criminal records in PA for years. We can help you too! Reach out to us at sean@seanloguelaw.com to schedule a consultation.