Expungement allows an individual to clear their criminal record by sealing or erasing convictions, arrests, or other adverse information from public access. A criminal record can have a wide-ranging impact on one’s life, from job and housing opportunities to personal relationships and self-esteem.
In November 2024, the Arkansas Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision that denied an individual’s request to seal a nearly 30-year-old nonviolent felony drug conviction. This incident is just one of the many examples of expungement cases that provide convicted individuals with the chance to start over in life.
Expungement lawyers can help you handle the complicated process of applying for expungement.
This article will take a look at how lawyers for expungement help seal your criminal record.
Understanding Expungement and Its Importance
Understanding expungement is critical because it provides a path to clearing a record, which may allow someone to live a normal life without the fear of their previous criminal records affecting them.
Expungement means that certain offenses will be essentially wiped from a criminal record so that finding work or housing will be less difficult for you.
Keep in mind that not all crimes can be expunged, and the laws governing the process vary from state to state.
The Role of Expungement Lawyers
When dealing with the complications of expungement, having an experienced expungement lawyer will significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Expungement lawyers are familiar with the laws governing expungement, so they can quickly compile the necessary documentation and determine your eligibility for the process. They will see to it that the required paperwork is complete and filled out accurately, reducing the risk of mistakes that can cause unnecessary delays.
Arkansas criminal defense attorney Kevin Lemley says that your lawyer will be at your side throughout the whole ordeal and effectively argue to advance your interests in court.
Investing in a lawyer helps you focus on other important matters while they work to minimize the procedural errors that can jeopardize your case.
The Expungement Process Explained
A thorough understanding of the expungement process will allow you to take control of your criminal record. Before anything else, you should determine if you qualify for expungement by researching local laws in your area.
Prepare relevant documents, including court documents and some evidence of rehabilitation. You will then be asked to fill out the expungement application.
The application submission sets the hearing dates. The hearing will give you an opportunity to present your case. If the judge agrees with your application, the court will sign an order to expunge your record.
Follow up and verify that your record has been expunged.
Knowing the steps of the expungement process allows you to approach your expungement application with confidence and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Benefits of Hiring an Expungement Lawyer
One of the benefits of employing an expungement lawyer is expediting the application process. They can use their legal knowledge to avoid errors and delays, which guarantees that your application process runs smoothly.
They can assist you in properly submitting the necessary paperwork to relevant offices.
Consulting an experienced attorney helps you save time and effort when applying for expungement by evaluating your case professionally and determining if you qualify for expungement. They can provide legal advice to assist you in determining the best course of action for your particular case.
Common Misconceptions About Expungement
Contrary to popular belief, an expungement does not completely remove a criminal record. Expunging a record means sealing it from the public eye. Some government agencies can still access your record, but most businesses and employers will be unable to view it during background checks.
Expungement is not automatic. The process of expungement requires filing a petition and meeting specific eligibility requirements.
Individuals who are interested in applying for expungement should know that serious crimes, such as felonies, usually have their own set of criteria for expungement. Felony crimes that are eligible for expungement may differ by state.
Knowing these misconceptions and myths allows you to have a reasonable expectation of what expungement might entail.
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