Statute
18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §3019(d)
Survivors of trafficking in Pennsylvania may apply for relief that includes vacating convictions and destroying all records of prostitution and related convictions. Survivors of trafficking must demonstrate that the convictions resulted from being a victim of human trafficking. Relief is limited to prostitution or specific offenses such as trespass, simple possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct and loitering.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of the few states that requires the prosecutor to consent to filing the petition to vacate a conviction. This is troubling because it hinges relief on a prosecutor’s view of the case rather than an independent judicial determination of the facts. If the court grants the motion, the conviction is vacated and all records and files related to the arrest are expunged.
Updated Sept 2021