The 2026 Second Chance Index
How Pennsylvania ranks for second chances
Pennsylvania ranks 2nd of 51 (tied) in the 2026 Second Chance Index, scoring 82.5 out of 100 for clearing a record, voting rights and where its felony line falls. That's 21 points above the median state (61.5). It shares the rank with Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota and Utah.
Built from Pennsylvania's record-clearing, voting and felony-class records, last checked October 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
82.5 out of 100
- Clearing a record
- 48.5 / 50
- Voting rights
- 22 / 30
- Where the felony line falls
- 12 / 20
Every point Pennsylvania earned and missed
Each line is a field we publish about Pennsylvania, checked against state law and official guidance. The points are the index's; the method lists every one.
Clearing a record
48.5 of 50 points| What we score | Pennsylvania | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Some records clear automatically | Some records clear automatically | 15/15 |
| A general route to clear a felony | Yes | 12/12 |
| A general route to clear a misdemeanor | Yes | 8/8 |
| A way to clear a case with no conviction | Yes | 8/8 |
| A fee waiver on at least one route | Yes | 4/4 |
| A DUI conviction can be cleared | In some cases | 1.5/3 |
Voting rights
22 of 30 points| What we score | Pennsylvania | Points |
|---|---|---|
| When the vote comes back after a felony | After prison | 22/30 |
Where the felony line falls
12 of 20 points| What we score | Pennsylvania | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Theft becomes a felony at | Over $2,000 | 7/10 |
| Repeat DUI becomes a felony | From the 3rd offense | 5/10 |
Where the 17.5 missing points are
- 8When the vote comes back after a felony: After prison
- 5Repeat DUI becomes a felony: From the 3rd offense
- 3Theft becomes a felony at: Over $2,000
- 1.5A DUI conviction can be cleared: In some cases
The index scores what state law says, not how courts apply it. A lower score doesn't mean Pennsylvania offers no relief; its pages list every route.
States ranked near Pennsylvania
Cite this page
Second Chance Index, "How Pennsylvania ranks for second chances" https://secondchanceindex.com/state-rankings/pennsylvania, checked October 29, 2026.