How to Find and Expunge Your Criminal Record

(Even if you didn't know you had one)

Expungement (aka criminal record sealing) occurs when the records of a person convicted of a crime are treated as if they no longer exist. All US states have different limits and options regarding expungement or criminal record sealing and most have remedies for cases of mistaken or stolen identity. All states permit some form of record sealing or expungement  for juvenile offenses. Some drunk driving charges can be removed with the help of a good DUI expungement lawyer. Minor infractions however, like most speeding and/or moving violations are not considered criminal offenses and are not eligible to being expunged or sealed.

What's At Risk?

In addition to causing you to be arrested, a record that has not been sealed or expunged can cause you to be denied access to the best jobs, education, apartments and housing, government benefits and professional licenses. In many cases it isn't required that you be notified that you are being rejected because of a criminal record.

How to Clear Your Record

• If Convicted of Drunk Driving, you can clear your record:

  • After the passing of a certain amount of time after your DUI conviction 

  • Or after you fulfill certain court imposed obligations in some cases

  • Get help from DUI expungement lawyers

• If You Are A Victim of ID Theft Or Error, you can clear your record by showing:

  • Evidence that you are a victim of identity theft

  • And someone else committed crimes in your name

  • Or provide evidence of an error in the public record that misidentifies you

  • Submit your case

• If on probation, you can clear your record if:

  • You have finished your probation

  • You have followed all court orders

  • And there are no new charges against you

  • Submit your case

• If not on probation, you can clear your record if:

  • One year has passed since your judgment

  • You have obeyed all laws subsequent to your judgment

  • And there are no new charges against you

  • Submit your case

• Certain crimes may be more difficult to expunge, such as:

  • Most traffic infractions (Ask lawyer for deferred adjudication prior to plea)

  • Most sex related crimes ( Ask a sex crimes lawyer )

You may have a record and not know it.

With identity theft and illegal immigration at epidemic levels in the US there are increasing reports of criminals using stolen identities when being processed through the judicial system. In some cases this results in victims being falsely arrested and jailed for crimes committed by their imposters. More often, victims can go for years without knowing a record exists or the many ways it negatively impacts your life. To find out if you have a record at the local level you can check at the courthouse. You can also use a free electronic background check to determine if your record has made its way onto the internet.