November 25, 22

NEWS / Millions of PA criminal records now hidden from public under so-called Clean Slate Law

As many as 43 million criminal cases have disappeared from the public view under Pennsylvania’s so-called Clean Slate Law aimed at making it easier for individuals with misdemeanors to find jobs and other opportunities. The cases include 23 million that resulted in convictions and 20 million where there were no convictions. While the new law is aimed at individuals with misdemeanor convictions and indictments, it appears that people with more serious crimes have also had their records removed from public view. Among those whose records have been sealed are individuals convicted of shootings, child endangerment, and criminal conspiracy. “Convicted felons should not be receiving the benefits of a Clean Slate order, but it's happening,” Attorney Melissa Melewsky was quoted by Pittsburgh Action News 4 as saying. Melewsky went on to say that some individuals with assault charges dropped had their entire case sealed despite having murder convictions. She warned that if criminal cases continue to be removed from public view, the law could undermine public confidence in the judicial system. Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court instructed local judges to work with court clerks in implementing the Clean Slate Law. At the same time, Sheryl Delozier, the state legislator who authored the Clean Slate Law, is working on a bill to expand the law to cover minor felony drug offenses.