The Basics of Expungements
Having a misdemeanor charge on your permanent record can have lasting effects. One of the biggest impacts is on your professional life since criminal records are easier for employers to access. An expungement is one way you can remove these charges to benefit your personal and professional life in the future.What is an Expungement?
An expungement is a legal process that can remove certain charges from your record. This process is intended to create a clean slate and is often offered to first time offenders. However, it is important to note that this is not the same thing as a pardon. You are not forgiven for a crime, but rather it is removed from your record and sealed away. It’s also important to remember that an expungement only requires your arrest or criminal record to be legally sealed. Any evidence of your criminal activity that exists online via news stories, social media posts, etc. are not removed.How to Receive an Expungement
When you submit to a court for an expungement, you are asking to either withdraw your guilty plea or have the case dismissed. In order to receive an expungement, there are certain requirements that must be met. Completing all terms of your probation are required in order to receive an expungement. If you have violated your probation, you still have a chance for an expungement. A hearing will be held to determine if you are still in good standing. Another important requirement of receiving an expungement is you cannot be charged with another criminal offense.The Benefits
Having your record expunged can lift a large weight off your shoulders and offer you many benefits. An expungement can open many new doors for you and allow you to pursue opportunities you couldn’t before. Many jobs and other positions will often turn away anyone with a criminal record or even prohibit people from having one. With a clean slate, you can apply for new jobs, join private organizations, receive state licensing, and avoid complications with immigration. Receiving an expungement can also bring you a great sense of personal satisfaction. A criminal charge can make it difficult for you to move forward in life. Applying for an expungement can help you seal your records and answer “no” when asked if you have any criminal charges on your record. Now is the time to take control and get your record expunged. Talk to an expungement attorney about getting an expungement.
Bradley Corbett
Bradley Corbett is a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah in 2004. Later he enrolled at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego where he participated in a prestigious internship program with the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Since then he has handled over 2,000 cases.