Everything You Need to Know About the Expungement
Introduction
Criminal records can have a significant impact on a person's life. They can affect employment, education, housing, and even relationships. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to move on with your life and leave you feeling stuck in the past. However, there is hope for those who have made mistakes in the past and are looking to move on. Expungement attorneys can help you clear your criminal record and start fresh.
What is Expungement?
Expungement is the process of removing or sealing criminal records from public access. Once a record is expunged, it is as if the crime never happened, and the person can legally deny that it ever occurred. Expungement is only available in some states, and the laws governing expungement vary from state to state.
Why Hire an Expungement Attorney?
Expungement can be a complicated legal process that involves many steps, including filing a petition, attending a court hearing, and working with law enforcement agencies. A skilled expungement attorney can guide you and protect your rights.
Expungement attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in criminal law. They are familiar with the specific expungement laws in their state. They understand the legal requirements and can advise whether you are eligible for expungement. They can also help you gather the necessary documents, file the petition, and represent you in court.
Additionally, expungement attorneys can help you understand the potential consequences of your criminal record and how expungement can benefit you. They can explain the different types of expungement and help you determine which is best suited for your situation.
Types of Expungement
There are several types of expungement, and the eligibility requirements vary depending on the state and the type of offense.
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Juvenile Expungement
Juvenile expungement is the process of sealing or destroying a juvenile criminal record. In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed when the person turns 18. In other states, a petition must be filed to seal the records.
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Misdemeanor Expungement
Misdemeanor expungement is the process of sealing or destroying a misdemeanor criminal record. Certain misdemeanors can be expunged automatically in some states after a certain time. In other states, a petition must be filed to expunge the records.
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Felony Expungement
Felony expungement is the process of sealing or destroying a felony criminal record. Felonies are generally more difficult to expunge than misdemeanors and require a longer waiting period before eligibility. In some states, certain felonies cannot be expunged, such as violent crimes or sex offenses.
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Pardon
Pardons are a form of executive clemency granted by a governor or the President of the United States that forgive a person for a crime and restores their civil rights. A pardon does not expunge a criminal record. However, it can be helpful in some cases, such as when seeking employment or applying for a professional license.
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Certificate of Rehabilitation
A certificate of rehabilitation is a court-issued document that declares a person's rehabilitation after a criminal conviction. It does not expunge the criminal record but can help restore some of the rights lost due to the conviction, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.
Conclusion
Expungement can be a life-changing event for those with a criminal record. Hiring an expungement attorney can make the process smoother and increase the chances of success. Expungement attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process, advise you on the best course of action, and protect your rights. If you have a criminal record and are looking to move forward with your life, contact an expungement attorney today to see if expungement is an option.