Pine Grove Inmates Attend Clean Slate Workshop

Jessica Lynch of Laurel Legal Services, Inc., in coordination with SCI Pine Grove's Reentry Service Office, presented an informative workshop on Pennsylvania's new Clean Slate Law that went into effect on June 28, 2019. The first of its kind in the nation, the Clean Slate Law mandates automatic, computer-generated record sealing for certain kinds of criminal records. This act affects records of conviction for minor offenses known as summary offenses, many misdemeanor convictions and charges that did not lead to conviction. Sealing is allowed after a 10-year period free of any misdemeanor or felony convictions as long as all financial obligations are paid. In addition to the information on Clean Slate, she shared information on expungements, pardons and petition based sealing processes. Lynch is also the director of PAI and Pro Bono Services. Reentry staff are grateful to her for taking the time to share her knowledge with the participants.