No one is ever proud to have a criminal record on file. Those who do know that it can have a negative impact on their lives. From personal to professional restrictions, having any sort of criminal history on your record can cause unwanted hindrances for many years to come. It makes no difference whether you were not convicted or have served your time, or whether it was a minor offense or a felony. Once it’s on your record, it is there for all to see. Luckily, there is a silver lining to what many believe may be a life sentence on their lives, and it is called expungement.
Having your record expunged means that you can have any criminal history removed from your record. That part of your record will not be seen by those who may wish to run a background check on you. This allows many people to start fresh and not be hindered by their past mistakes, especially when they are trying to move forward with their lives. That being said, it is no question that having your record expunged can be a lengthy process. Plus, it may not apply to every type of offense committed.
If you are interested in going through such a process, here are some things to keep in mind in order to succeed in your mission to have your record expunged.
1. Check If You Are Eligible for a Record Expungement
As mentioned before, having your record expunged can be a great opportunity. However, you must check first if your offense qualifies to be expunged from your record.
Cases that qualify include being acquitted, convicted but with later pardons, formally charged but later dismissed after a certain time frame, and being arrested but never formally charged.
Now keep in mind that if you are arrested but never charged, there is a certain waiting period of time that you must adhere to in order to qualify for a record expungement. For example, depending on the class of misdemeanor you committed, you may have to wait anywhere between 180 days to 1 year after the date of your arrest. Likewise, if a felony was committed, then you must wait 3 years minimum before applying for a record expungement.
2. Keep in Mind the Costs of the Expungement Process
It goes without saying that a process like having your record expunged is going to cost some money on your end. There are two bills that you must keep in mind when having your record expunged.
The first is the filing fee for the expungement itself. This fee is a standard charge that can vary from state to state. It can typically be hundreds of dollars.
The second cost to keep in mind is the attorney fee, which can also vary. This second fee will depend on who you hire. Typically, it can be upwards in the thousands, so this is a very important cost to keep in mind.
Although it is a costly process, expungement can bring about numerous benefits that can be both a personal and professional benefit in the long run if the expungement succeeds. Your business’s reputation will be fortified and you’ll have a better chance at building partnerships with prestigious companies.
3. Consult a Lawyer
Before you take the plunge into the expungement process and throw in thousands of dollars, it is best to take some advice from people who know what you are getting into. This is why consulting a lawyer about having your record expunged is so important.
A consultation can help determine whether your case is even eligible for the process or not. It can save you on those non-refundable fees in the event that you do not qualify for the expungement. For instance, if you are trying to have your record expunged in the state of Texas, seeking out lawyers who specialize in criminal arrest records in that area can help you demystify the process. That way, you do not accumulate unnecessary costs and can get through the process as smoothly as possible.
