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Adult Criminal Records: All About Expunging or Sealing

Expungement in louisiana
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When someone has a criminal record, things will be somewhat more difficult for them moving forward. The nature of the arrest and/or conviction doesn’t make much of a difference either way. Landlords and employers alike are generally prone to asking their potential tenants or applicants respectively whether they’ve ever gotten criminally convicted or at least arrested.

If the answer is “yes,” there’s a huge chance the tenancy application won’t be accepted or the job won’t be offered.

Some people end up with the misconception that they no longer have a choice when they end up with that kind of record. However, many people may not know that a conviction or arrest could possibly be expunged from their record! Read on to learn more about expunging or sealing adult criminal records:

What Is Expungement?

The term that’s generally used for arrest and conviction records being sealed is called expungement. No matter what state you’re in, there are likely laws in place for the expunging of arrests and convictions from records. Details vary from state to state: most state laws provide that once expunged, an arrest or conviction doesn’t have to be mentioned anymore. Yes, even to potential landlords or employers.

Expungement Eligibility

An expungement is a great way to move forward without the baggage of your past. One of the most important things for people with convictions or arrests to do is get to know the expungement procedures per jurisdiction. The best starting point is the criminal court of your county or what agency arrested you. Ask these questions to find the ideal answer:

  • Is the offense eligible for expungement in the first place
  • When will the expungement be available for the person to explore eligibility?
  • What goes into the whole process of expungement in the first place?
  • Are there any consequences that will come with the expungement?

Finding the answers to all of these will determine whether or not there’s the eligibility to have the records expunged. Some jurisdictions do not allow felony convictions to be expunged. In some cases, people need to finish serving an initial sentence before the arrest and/or conviction is actually expunged. Also, it should be noted that certain licensing boards or police departments may still find expunged records.

In terms of offenses and crimes, it’s likely drug-related charges and juvenile offenses that are mostly likely to get expunged.

The “Certificate of Actual Innocence”

As far as expungement goes, it doesn’t get more powerful than the certificate of actual innocence. Aside from sealing a prior record, it also makes the case that the record never should have been created in the first place.

If you need an expungement in Louisiana, contact The Law Office of Christopher M. Stahl today.

Conclusion

Adult criminal records can negatively affect things like renting a home and being hired for a job. However, what plenty of people don’t know is that there’s actually a possibility of getting a conviction or arrest expunged. All states typically have some sort of laws in place for convictions or arrests in criminal records to be expunged; however, it’s always best to determine eligibility first.

Searching for a Bossier City attorney to provide advice on expungements? Contact The Law Office of Christopher M Stahl today! He’s an attorney specializing in family law, criminal defense, expungements, wills and successions, personal injury, and civil disputes. We serve clients in Louisiana, from Webster to Minden.

Contact us by filling out the form below.

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