Expungement Law

Expungement of your prior criminal convictions will not only clean up your criminal background, but it will also restore your gun rights.  Convictions of criminal offenses, particularly felony offenses, can fully prohibit your ability to possess a firearm.  However, even non felony convictions can impact your ability to receive gun purchase permits and concealed carry gun permits.  This is why it is important to speak to an experienced attorney at Seagroves legal about whether the convictions on your background can be expunged.

The current expungement law of our state enable you to expunge a prior conviction, both felonies and misdemeanors, so long as that is your only conviction and it is considered a “non violent” offense.  However, our current laws are changing and bringing about very positive change!  Head on over to the latest blog to learn more.

There are varying laws depending on the age of offense, the age of conviction and what type of conduct you were convicted of.  That is why it is very important to speak with a skilled attorney about how the expungement laws apply to your situation.  Certain convictions require longer waiting periods than others before being able to be removed.  For instance, misdemeanor convictions require a 5 year waiting period and felonies require a 10 year waiting period.  However, if you were under the age of 18 at the time of offense, the waiting time is substantially shorter, regardless of whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. The new laws referenced above will bring about great change for underage offenders so be sure to check out the blog!

Excluded from the term “non violent” are several offenses, but largely:

• Any offense that is an A-G felony
• Any offense that includes the element of assault
• Any domestic violence offense
• Any offense that requires registration on the sex offender registry
• Any offense that involved breaking and entering (not applicable if a minor)

The requirements that must be met to be eligible for an expungement depends upon what expungement statute the conviction qualifies under.  There are several different expungement laws and a knowledgable attorney like Candace Seagroves can assist you in determining which statute is best applicable for your conviction.  Every expungement requires a petition to be filed and most require affidavits concerning character.  Sometimes hearings are also required.  Rest assured Seagroves Legal can take care of all of the paperwork and advocate for your expungement at a hearing should it be required.  You can be confident that you are in good hands.

Expunging your prior convictions can be life changing – affording you greater opportunity in your career, education, and in some cases, even housing.  Additionally, expungement of a felony conviction can restore your firearm rights.  Do not put off speaking to Attorney Seagroves about your expungement eligibility.

Yes you can!  When you are charged with a crime, the charge itself is reported on your criminal background.  If it is dismissed, the dismissal is also reported on your criminal background, but the offense itself remains a permanent part of your record.  You can expunge those dismissed charges, or findings of not guilty, from your criminal record.  While not a conviction, removing those charged offenses from your criminal record provides the opportunity for you to fully put the incident behind you.