How do I write a letter of expungement?

The judge reviewing the case usually wants to see a reference for the person seeking expungement so the court can feel confident that he will not reoffend.

Format Your Expungement Letter.
Explain Who You Are and Why You’re Writing.
Testify to Good Behavior.
Be as Specific as Possible.
Finishing Up.

What does an attorney do in an expungement case?

The attorney will handle things such as filing the expungement petition and all other necessary motions with the court and representing you in court if necessary. Importantly, the attorney will research your old case to ensure that all eligible records are covered in the petition for expungement.

Do you need a lawyer to expunge a juvenile record?

The expungement of juvenile criminal records is automatic many states, but this varies and you should seek the advice of a qualified lawyer that specializes the sealing of juvenile records. Generally, expungement is only available to those who have maintained a clean criminal record in the intervening years between.

Who can have access to an expunged record?

Most expungement statutes allow specified employers to gain access to your record, sealed or not. These employers include the government, particularly when you’re applying for law enforcement jobs; and private employers where you’ll be interacting with children or vulnerable adults.

How is expungement different from record sealing?

However, expungement is different from record sealing in a few important ways. When a criminal record is expunged, it is treated as if the charges never exist, and they are no longer associated at all with that person’s criminal history. It generally means that the charges have “disappeared” from the court system.

Can you file for expungement without a lawyer?

You can file for an expungement without an attorney, however, it is in your best interest to have legal representation. As part of the expungement process you may have to appear at a hearing, and it is always a good idea to have an advocate on your side when appearing in court.

Should I expunge my record, or hire an attorney?

Expungement law in the various states can be different, and what is included in expungement does have certain limits, so hiring an attorney to handle an expungement is valuable. Properly done by a qualified attorney, an expungement may help a person start a new life and move forward without a criminal record following them around.

Do you need an attorney to expunge your criminal record?

If your criminal record is eligible for expungement, you might not need to hire an attorney to complete the process. Some states make it easy to apply for expungement, and many court websites offer expungement information and forms you can download for free. (That said, you must usually pay a fee at the time you file your paperwork with the court.)

Can I get an expungement after my probation end?

You can apply to have your record expunged immediately after probation is terminated. An expungement means that your record of conviction is no longer accessible to the general public including employers or landlords. You do have to disclose your conviction and expungement when applying for public employment or licensing.