A criminal record can create significant obstacles in your personal and professional life, affecting everything from employment opportunities to housing and education. To expunge a criminal record is to effectively erase or seal it from public view, allowing you to start anew. This clear and concise guide walks you through the key steps necessary to achieve relief through expungement.

  1. Determine Your Eligibility

Contrary to popular belief, not all criminal records can be expunged, so it is essential to see if you qualify. Eligibility is typically predicated on factors including the type of offense and whether the case was dismissed, acquitted, or convicted.

For example, in a town like State College, rules may allow expungement for some non-violent misdemeanors but not for more severe crimes, such as violent felonies. An experienced State College expungement lawyer can closely analyze your criminal record to determine if you are eligible for expungement under Pennsylvania law. 

Knowing early whether you will be eligible eliminates unnecessary run-arounds and dead-end trips to the police station to check your eligibility when the time comes to move forward with a clean slate.

  1. Consult with an Attorney

You can initiate the expungement process by consulting with a qualified expungement or criminal defense attorney.

While some people may opt to go it alone, a lawyer can help determine whether and how you can file suit on a legal issue. Mishandling or failing to file paperwork can cause unnecessary delays or result in the denial of your petition.

  1. Obtain Copies of Your Criminal Record

To apply for an expungement, you will first need an accurate and up-to-date copy of your criminal record. To accomplish this, you can start by contacting the agency that arrested you, your local courthouse, or your state’s Department of Public Safety.

The more you can recall your past in this process, the more you can determine which charges are and aren’t eligible for expungement. 

  1. Review State-Specific Expungement Laws

Expungement is governed by the laws of the respective states, which provide the eligibility rules, procedures, and the necessary documentation. Some states have a waiting period after you’ve served your sentence, while others require a clean record for several years. 

Deadlines, court forms, and fees also vary widely. You can save yourself time and frustration and make your petition much easier to prepare by learning the laws of your state.

Take Away

Having your criminal record expunged is a life-changing opportunity. Expungement can have profound economic and social benefits. Studies show individuals experience wage increase within a year after expungement, significantly improving job prospects, housing stability, and self-esteem. 

Moreover, removing legal barriers helps reduce public assistance dependency and recidivism, ultimately benefiting both individuals and communities. However, it is essential to be aware of and adequately prepared for the legal process involved. 

You can substantially increase your chances of winning by consulting a lawyer, clarifying your eligibility, gathering the necessary paperwork, understanding your state’s rules, and compiling positive evidence. 

Taking these steps allows you to put the past behind you and move forward with greater freedom and opportunity.