As we look back on the past year at Record Eraser, we’re both proud and grateful for the work our small team has been able to do across Pennsylvania. What started in 2013 as a mission to help people understand and clear their criminal records has continued to grow into something bigger. This year we value our deeply rooted goals of education, advocacy, and showing up for people who are often left in the dark by the criminal justice system.
This year wasn’t just about filing pardon applications or expungement petitions. It was about meeting people where they are, answering hard questions honestly, and helping Pennsylvanians understand what’s on their criminal record, what can be cleared, and when.
Expanding Free Criminal Record Information Sessions
One of the most meaningful parts of our year was continuing to host free criminal record information sessions throughout the community. In 2025, we partnered with organizations like PA CareerLink, the Lancaster Public Library, and healthcare providers including PA Options for Wellness to offer no-cost education to individuals navigating life with a criminal record.
During these sessions, we walk people through how to locate their Pennsylvania criminal record using tools like the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal, how to read what is often a confusing court docket or summary, and how to understand their record-clearing options, whether that be through a pardon, expungement, or Clean Slate record sealing. These sessions are intentionally educational, not solicitational, and focused on empowerment through knowledge.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to expand these info sessions beyond Lancaster into Philadelphia and other counties across Pennsylvania. If your organization, county, or community group could benefit from this type of education, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us anytime at admin@recorderaser.net to learn more about hosting a free session or a deeper training for staff and professionals.
Continued Legal Education for Professionals State and Nationwide
Education doesn’t stop with individuals. Throughout the year, Attorney Mark Walmer spoke both statewide and nationally to attorneys and professionals who regularly work with justice-impacted individuals. Through collaborations with organizations like the National Association of Continuing Legal Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, these sessions focused on the long-term impact of criminal records, the limitations of existing relief options, and the evolving landscape of Pennsylvania pardons, expungements and record sealing.
You can check out the course here: 👉 https://www.nacle.com/CLE/Courses/The-Pardon-Path-Guiding-Clients-Through-Pennsylvanias-Process-2714
These conversations help ensure that professionals across all areas of focus are better equipped to guide people accurately and compassionately.
Advocacy Through the Pennsylvania Pardon Project
Advocacy at the systemic level also played an important role this year. In partnership with longtime colleague Tobey Oxholm and the Pennsylvania Pardon Project, Attorney Walmer served on a committee tasked with identifying key challenges and recommendations related to Pennsylvania’s pardon process.
The committee’s work was presented to Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, with the goal of improving pardon timelines and addressing bottlenecks that continue to delay relief for thousands of Pennsylvanians. While change takes time, being part of these conversations is a critical step toward meaningful reform.
Sharing Stories Through Interviews and Video Education
This year, we also continued to grow our educational outreach through interviews and video content. One highlight was our interview with Bench Mark Program, an organization dedicated to supporting underserved youth through fitness, academic counseling, and career coaching. Their work creates safe, empowering spaces for students to grow and thrive. You can watch that full interview here: 👉 https://youtu.be/2_W57FHS-jc
We also sat down with Stark Law Group, a Pennsylvania employment law firm, to discuss workers’ rights and the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) which is a critical law governing how criminal records can be used in hiring and licensing decisions. This interview dives into employer obligations, applicant protections, how criminal records intersect with employment opportunities, as well as what qualifies under workers compensation matters.
Beyond interviews, we continued expanding our YouTube library, answering viewer questions, hosting live Q&A sessions, and providing real-time updates on changes involving pardons, expungements, and Clean Slate record sealing. Our goal has always been simple: to make reliable information accessible to anyone who needs it, without legal jargon or confusion. If you have any stories you would like shared through our videos, fill out our Q&A interest form here: 👉 https://recorderaser.net/pennsylvania-criminal-record-question-and-answer
Launching Record Eraser Courses: Education You Can Access Anytime
This year also marked a big step forward for us with the rollout of Record Eraser Courses! An educational initiative designed to put knowledge directly into the hands of people who need it most.
Over the years, we’ve seen how often people feel stuck simply because they don’t know where to start. Many Pennsylvanians don’t know how to locate their criminal record, how to read it, or how to tell the difference between a background check and an actual court record. Our courses were created to help close that gap. We also have plans to offer step-by-step course helping guide you through filling out a Pennsylvania Pardon Application in the beginning of 2026.
Our first course walks individuals step by step through how to find, request, and understand their Pennsylvania criminal record, all explained in plain language and taught directly by Attorney Walmer. The goal isn’t to replace legal representation, but to empower people with clarity, whether they’re advocating for themselves in a job interview, preparing for school or licensing, or simply trying to understand what options may be available to them down the road.
By offering these courses online, we’re able to reach people across the state (and beyond) who may not be able to attend an in-person info session or afford one-on-one legal services right away. It’s another way we’re staying true to our mission by making accurate, trustworthy information accessible, without confusion or intimidation.
You can learn more about our newest initiative and explore our courses here: 👉 https://recorderaser.net/courses
As we move into the new year, we’re excited to continue expanding this educational platform and finding new ways to support people wherever they are on their record-clearing journey.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
As we move into the new year, our mission will always remain the same. We believe everyone deserves to understand their rights, their record, and their options; especially when a criminal record can impact employment, housing, education, and family life for decades.
Whether through free consultations, community education, professional training, or advocacy work, we’ll continue showing up for Pennsylvanians who are working toward a second chance.
Thank you to everyone who attended an info session, watched a video, shared their story, or trusted us with their journey this year. We’re looking ahead with hope and are just getting started!
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