Erasing Your Criminal Record: Hire a Reputable Attorney
Are you looking to obliterate your criminal records? Having a criminal record can hinder your future opportunities, whether it’s an arrest, charge or criminal conviction. It can impact your ability to get a job, housing and loans and even affect your relationships.
However, you may be eligible for expungement, a legal process that can help you erase or seal your criminal records.
Let's explore how experienced criminal lawyers in OKC can help you with expungement.
When Will the Court Consider Removing All of Your Faulty Background Records?
Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to erase or seal their criminal records. When a court expunges your record, it removes it from public access. Therefore, it is invisible to potential employers or other entities that may want to perform a background check on you.
Expungement can also restore certain rights you may have lost due to a criminal conviction. However, it's important to note that not all convictions are eligible for expungement. Let your criminal defense attorney in OKC take the decision.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Expungement?
Expungement laws vary by state, but in general, the eligibility criteria for expungement include the following-
The type of crime committed
Typically, only certain non-violent, minor offenses are eligible for expungement. Violent crimes and sexual offenses are usually not eligible.
The severity of the crime
If you were convicted of a felony, you are not eligible for expungement.
Time since the conviction
A certain period needs to pass before you can apply for expungement. This period may vary depending on the severity of the crime, but it's usually between two and five years.
Completion of sentence
You must have completed all the terms of your sentence, including probation, parole and paying fines.
No new criminal charges
You must not have any new criminal charges or convictions since the conviction you want to erase.
How Can a Criminal Lawyer Help You Get Rid of the Conviction?
Expungement can be a complicated legal process, and having an experienced criminal attorney can increase your chances of winning.
A lawyer can help you navigate the eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documents to file your expungement petition.
They can also represent you in court and argue on your behalf to increase your chances of approval.
Additionally, they can help you understand your rights and obligations after the court grants the expungement.
5 Tips to Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer
Choosing the right criminal lawyer can significantly affect your expungement case.
Experience
Look for a criminal lawyer with experience handling expungement cases similar to yours.
Reputation
Check their reputation online by reading reviews, testimonials and feedback from previous clients.
Communication
Choose someone who communicates effectively and updates you regularly on your case's progress.
Availability
Ensure your criminal defense attorney is accessible and available to answer your questions and concerns.
Fee structure
Understand their fee structure and ensure that there are no hidden charges.
Mistakes You Should Avoid when Narrowing Your Search for Criminal Lawyer
When searching for a criminal lawyer, there are some common mistakes you should avoid, including the following-
Not researching enough
Not checking their specialization
Choosing based on price
Not meeting them in person
Not asking the right questions
If you avoid these mistakes and follow the earlier tips, you can find the best criminal lawyer for your expungement case.
Final Words
Expungement can help you remove or seal your criminal records, giving you a fresh start.
Foshee & Yaffe: Your Go-To-Destination
We, Foshee & Yaffe Attorneys at Law, are a reputable law firm specializing in criminal defense. If you want to delete your criminal records, contact us to schedule a consultation with our team of criminal lawyers in OKC and learn how we can help you.
**Disclaimer: This content is not to be construed as legal advice nor does it establish terms of a client-attorney relationship.