Benefits of Expungement
In today’s economy, many job applicants are being passed over for jobs because they have criminal records. In some cases, a person is denied a promotion or pay raise because of their record.
A clean record can be a life changer. It will allow you to get your dream job, apply for college or seek other opportunities that were not previously possible due to a past arrest and charges showing up in a background check.
Expungement can be a daunting process, and it is highly recommended to have professional guidance. You can find forms and instructions online, at the courthouse or by visiting a legal aid organization.
You will be required to fill out paperwork, file it with the court and prosecutor’s office and pay a filing fee. Next, you will have to go before a judge to get the record expunged.
Eligibility for Expungement
Whether your record is eligible to be expunged depends on the type of offense and the disposition of the case. Some states only allow expungement for certain types of crimes, such as misdemeanors or non-serious felonies.
The expungement process can be confusing, frustrating and time consuming. While some people are successful without an attorney, you are much better off working with one to expedite the process and minimize your risk.