Reporting Expunged or Sealed Cases in Commercial Background Checks Violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA) governs the accuracy of criminal background checks prepared by commercial screeners.  While there is not much case law holding that the FCRA prohibits commercial screeners from reporting expunged or sealed cases, there is little doubt that it does. Two FCRA provisions apply: Commercial screeners must use “reasonable procedures”…

Opening Doors: How Philadelphia Area Colleges Can Promote Access and Equity by “Banning the Box”

Young people of color across Pennsylvania are over-criminalized at staggering rates. The consequences for any contact with the juvenile or criminal systems can be severe and long-lasting, while the circumstances that lead to arrest are often minor and may once have been thought of as normal adolescent behavior. The movement to “Ban the Box” on…

Summary Offenses in Pennsylvania

Learn more about expungements in general. Learn more about finding work with a criminal record WHAT IS A SUMMARY OFFENSE? A summary offense is the most minor type of criminal offense in Pennsylvania, and is often called a “non-traffic citation.” Summary offenses can include disorderly conduct, loitering, harassment, and low-level retail theft, among others. A…