Depending on the circumstances, most states allow residents who have been convicted of a crime to have their record cleared, or expunged. Strictly speaking, an expungement is a court-ordered process by which one’s arrest or criminal record is sealed, or erased.
It is important to note that even though an expunged record does not show up in most standard background checks, candidates for public employment applications, professional licenses, and gun permit applications, for example, must still disclose the arrest and/or conviction. But these records don’t just vanish. The record is simply removed from public view. Additionally, that expungement can be quickly undone if you are later charged with a subsequent criminal offense.
If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime and it is making it difficult for you to get a job, expungement may be a viable option. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you figure that out. Reach out to Burg Simpson right away by calling 855-231-5411 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form to discuss your case.
Are You Eligible for Expungements?
When it comes to juvenile records, it is much easier to seek an expungement, especially if the offense in question was a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Once you turn 21, you can petition the court to expunge your juvenile record. This is the most common type of expungement.
As an adult, however, you can seek expungement of your arrest record if it has not resulted in a conviction. You have to wait 180 days after the arrest or from the date when the charges were dismissed before you are able can file a petition for expungement.
If you or a family member are looking at petitioning for an expungement, do not try to navigate the process on your own. Get professional legal help to give you the best chance at securing an expungement. Contact a Burg Simpson criminal law lawyer by calling 855-231-5411.
Obstacles to Expungements
Certain felonies are ineligible for expungement, for example:
- Violent felonies, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault in the first or second degree, robbery, aggravated assault, aircraft hijacking, arson in the first or second degree or aggravated burglary.
- Vehicular homicide
- Drug-induced homicide
- Sexual assault
- Simple assault; battery
- Child abuse
- Aggravated assault and battery on a corrections and/or detention officer
- Possession, manufacture, transportation and sale of explosives, improvised explosive device, or incendiary apparatus with unlawful intent
- Promoting prostitution
- Sexual exploitation of children
- Incest
- Endangering children
- Bribery
- Injury to a peace officer
- Escape from official detention/escape by violence or assault, or while armed
- Perjury in judicial, legislative, or administrative proceedings
- Use of firearm while committing felony
- Use or possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies
If you or a loved one wants to explore expungement options, you must get expert legal counsel by speaking with our attorneys. Call Burg Simpson at 855-231-5411.
A BURG SIMPSON LAWYERS IN WYOMING CAN HELP
Expungement can extend beyond court records to include identifiable information and DNA records related to any conviction. If you need to get your arrest record expunged, call Burg Simpson’s office in Wyoming at 855-231-5411 or complete our Free Case Evaluation Form before it is too late.