When you’re convicted of a crime, paying fees, serving time, doing community service, and other types of punishment aren’t the only consequences. Your future could also be in jeopardy, even after you’ve fulfilled all the requirements of the court. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we’ve worked with clients on expungements that have essentially changed their lives. Read on to learn more about them and then contact us at (949) 585-9055 to find out if you’re eligible.
What is an expungement?
First of all, it’s important to understand what an expungement is and what it isn’t. Essentially, it’s a legal process that seals your criminal record. Not everyone is eligible for an expungement. Whether or not you will be depends on the facts of your case and your life. Namely, it will depend on the type of charge you were convicted of, how much time has passed since that conviction, and your criminal history.
The 4 main benefits of an expungement
There are many benefits to securing an expungement but the big four are as follows:
- Your record is sealed. If you’re granted an expungement, then the official record will show that your plea was not guilty and that your case was dismissed. This won’t show up on most criminal records, though in some more thorough background checks (primarily those done for high level security clearance) your arrest record may be seen.
- Employment is likely to be easier. Not only will your criminal record not show up on a basic background check for employment, but you’re actually legally allowed to answer “no” when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. This includes jobs that require you to have a clean criminal history for purposes of licenses and certificates.
- It can help your finances. A criminal record can affect your financial situation in a number of ways. For example, you may not be eligible for student loans with certain crimes on your record. After an expungement, you will be.
- It can give you a sense of closure. We’ve seen many clients move forward after their expungement with a feeling of closure. They can move forward without feeling ashamed or fearful of someone discovering their past.
Expungements aren’t a magical fix across the board
While we highly recommend an expungement if you’re eligible, it’s important for you to understand that it doesn’t completely erase your past. As one example, if you’re arrested in the future and the judge takes past offenses into consideration to enhance your penalty, expunged crimes can be included. Some professions, typically public employment, may require you to disclose convictions even if they’ve been expunged.
Let an attorney help you understand your options
If you’re ready to move forward with your life then we encourage you to contact a criminal defense attorney who can help you. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free consultation. We can review your situation and let you know if we think you’d be a candidate for expungement. Call today to find out what your options are.