Having a criminal record can feel like a burden that follows you around for the rest of your life. It can affect your ability to gain employment, housing, and even education. Fortunately, in some instances, you can expunge a criminal record. Expungement is the process of having your record either destroyed or sealed so it no longer shows up in background checks. This article will walk you through the steps involved in criminal record expungement.

Determine your eligibility

The first step in criminal record expungement is determining your eligibility. Expungement guidelines vary by state, and even within states, different offenses may have different requirements for expungement. Typically, non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies are more likely to be expunged. However, certain crimes, like sex crimes, domestic violence, and violent crimes, may not be eligible for expungement. It’s best to consult with an attorney who specializes in expungement to assess your eligibility.

Gather necessary information

Once you know you’re eligible for expungement, the next step is to gather all the necessary information. This includes your arrest record, court paperwork, and other relevant documentation. You’ll also need to know the date of your arrest and any sentencing information, such as fines or probation. Be sure to obtain all of these documents from the court or law enforcement agency in charge of your case.

File a petition

After you gather all the necessary information, the next step is to file a petition for expungement with the court where you were convicted. Depending on your state, there may be specific forms to fill out, or you may need to write your petition from scratch. Make sure to include all of the required information, such as your personal information, details of your convictions, and the reasons why you’re requesting expungement.

Attend a hearing

After filing your petition, it’s likely you’ll have to attend a hearing, where you’ll have to make a case for why your record should be expunged. During the hearing, you’ll need to prove that you’re a rehabilitated, law-abiding citizen who deserves a second chance. It’s important to remember that you’re presenting yourself as a responsible member of society, so dress accordingly and speak respectfully.

Wait for a decision

Depending on the complexity of your case, the judge may take a while to decide whether to grant your expungement petition. If the judge approves your petition, then your record will either be sealed or destroyed, depending on your state’s laws. 

Contact a lawyer for more information about criminal record expungement.