Each year, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) releases a report that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the state’s criminal justice system. When Attorney Mark Walmer recently reviewed the 2023 statistics, the numbers revealed just how significant the need for record-clearing services has become in Pennsylvania.
149,961 Criminal Cases Filed in One Year
In 2023, nearly 150,000 criminal cases were filed across Pennsylvania, ranging from serious felonies to minor offenses like marijuana possession. That number represents thousands of people now facing long-term consequences for past mistakes. The top counties for criminal filings were Philadelphia and Allegheny, but even smaller counties like York and Lancaster weren’t far behind, with over 4,000 cases each.
Every one of those convictions is a barrier to employment, housing, and education, and will eventually need to be addressed through a pardon or expungement.
A Real-Life Example: Even the Judge Was Surprised
Attorney Walmer recalled traveling to a smaller Pennsylvania county to help a client expunge a conviction after receiving a pardon from the Governor. To his surprise, neither the district attorney nor the public defender had ever seen an expungement based on a pardon before! Even the judge was unfamiliar with the process, but ultimately signed the order, acknowledging that the Governor’s pardon left no other option.
That’s just one county with 125 new cases filed in 2023. Over the past decade, Carbon County has accumulated roughly 12,000 cases—many of which are still sitting on people’s records, waiting to be cleared.
Read another expungement travel story from Attorney Walmer here: www.recorderaser.net/blog/washington-county-expungement
Dismissed or Withdrawn Cases Still Show Up
Another startling fact? Even charges that were withdrawn, dismissed, or marked “nolle pros” (not prosecuted) still appear on a person’s public record. For example:
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Chester County: 1,389 cases were dismissed or withdrawn
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Lancaster County: 865 cases fell into that category
These individuals weren’t convicted—but their records still reflect criminal charges, which can be harmful during background checks. The solution? File for an expungement.
What About ARD Cases?
ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) is a diversion program often used for first-time DUI or minor drug offenses. While successful completion means no conviction, the case still remains on your record unless you take action. Learn More about ARD here: www.recorderaser.net/how-it-works/expungements-in-pennsylvania.
In 2023, 19,190 people across Pennsylvania entered ARD programs in just the top 10 counties, including:
- Philadelphia
- York
- Montgomery
- Erie
- Lancaster
- Berks
- Luzerne
- Bucks
- Dauphin
- Northampton
All of these individuals are eligible for expungement upon completion, but they must file for it. It doesn’t happen automatically.
Why It’s Smart to Start Now
With nearly 150,000 new criminal cases filed in just one year, Pennsylvania’s pool of pardon-eligible individuals continues to grow. Every year adds thousands more people to the list—each one potentially applying for a pardon. Right now, the Board of Pardons is already facing a 3–4 year review process from the time an application is filed. As the number of applicants continues to rise, delays will only grow longer.
That’s why it’s so important to get in line now. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you can get through the waiting period and be ready for your hearing. Waiting could mean falling behind thousands of others who are also seeking a second chance.
The Bottom Line: Criminal Records Don’t Have to Last Forever
Whether it’s a conviction, a dismissed charge, or a completed ARD program, every criminal record tells a story, but it doesn’t have to be your future.
Don’t forget! We proudly serve clients in all 67 counties across Pennsylvania – no matter where your charges were filed, we’re here to help you clear your record! Whether it’s through expungement, Clean Slate law, or a Governor’s pardon, we’re here to guide you through every step. Learn more about the difference between the three here: www.recorderaser.net/blog/the-difference-between-pardons-and-expungements-in-pennsylvania.
Our goal has always been to help Pennsylvanians clear their records. That is why we offer a free record evaluation and Attorney consultation so you know what exactly is on your record and when it can be cleared through Attorney guidance and experience.
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