Is your past holding you back?
Having a criminal record can make it hard to get a job, get into college, or even rent a home or an apartment.
Did you know that once you have been arrested that you have a criminal record, even if you were never charged or the case was dismissed? Did you also know that a criminal record still exists even if you completed your sentencing, received supervision or were even found not guilty?
These criminal charges will remain on your record unless a judge orders them expunged or sealed. The good news is that there are many types of offenses which are eligible to be expunged or sealed off your criminal record.
What is an Expungement?
When your record is expunged, the court will impound the physical file and delete it from their computers so that it no longer exists. The court will also order that any interested police departments must destroy all records pertaining to that case.
What is Sealing?
Sealed records are maintained by the agencies, but most of the general public will not have access to your records.
When your record is sealed, the record will still exist but will be closed off from the public. This means that it will be removed from public electronic records by the court and police agencies. The court will instruct police agencies not to release any information from sealed records. Only a limited number of government agencies are able to access a sealed record. For most individuals, although there are some exceptions, an expungement or sealing will amount to the same result: no visible record for potential employers.
Your eligibility to expunge or seal your criminal record will depend on a number of details relating to your case.
At Culley, Feist, Kuppart & Jordan, we don’t believe in letting your past dictate your future.
To learn more about how we can help you expunge or seal your criminal record, please contact our office by calling us today for a free consultation at 618-252-7422.
