Krueger to host Criminal Record Clearing Clinic with the Delco Defenders
Rep. Leanne Krueger March 24, 2026 | 9:51 AM
BROOKHAVEN, March 24 – In April, state Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, and the Delco Defenders criminal defense team are making it possible for people with qualifying criminal histories to clear or seal their records, smoothing their path to employment, stable housing, and more.
“Many people convicted of low-level, nonviolent offenses are one-time offenders,” said Krueger. “Yet the impact of that single mistake can follow them into their future, making it harder to access housing, land jobs, and get accepted into educational programs. These are essential to helping our most vulnerable residents build stable lives.”
In Pennsylvania, certain convictions can be cleared from a person’s record if they’ve met the requirements of their sentencing, remain free from further arrests, and a certain amount of time has passed. Clearing a record removes it completely and, for those eligible, can be applied to summary offenses such as loitering, low-level retail theft, and disorderly conduct.
Records can be sealed—preventing them from appearing in most background checks—for low-level felony and misdemeanor convictions such as reckless endangerment, DUI, resisting arrest, prostitution, and other crimes.
Krueger and the Delco Defenders criminal defense team from the Delaware County Office of the Public Defender will come together from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 to host a “Criminal Record Clearing Clinic” at the Brookhaven Municipal Building, 2 Cambridge Road, Brookhaven.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” said Krueger. “When someone makes a mistake, learns from it, and tries to make their life better, I believe it’s our duty to help them do it. Expungement is always available under Pennsylvania law, but many people don’t know if it’s an option for them—our hope is that more eligible people will come to this event and start the process.”
To participate in Krueger’s event, interested parties must:
- Have a Delaware County arrest or a case in Delaware County court.
- Not be on parole or probation or have current or pending criminal charges.
- Meet a needs-based assessment to qualify for the Public Defender to assist them.
Important information about clearing and sealing:
- Only non-conviction charges, including ARD, or summary convictions with no arrests in the past 5 years can be cleared.
- Some low-level drug or property related felony convictions can be sealed if 10 years have passed.
- Many misdemeanor convictions can be sealed if 7 years have passed.
Those interested in taking advantage of the opportunity are asked to register in advance by calling Krueger’s district office at 610-534-6880. The representative’s staff will collect information to share with the Office of the Public Defender, which will follow up with registrants to determine if they qualify for record clearing or sealing.
The event is free.