Can I Have My Criminal Record Cleared?
Many criminal convictions can be cleared from an individual’s criminal record. This means, under certain circumstances, an individual may ask the court to erase a conviction from your permanent record, in which case, subsequent courts and law enforcement officials may not have access to certain elements of your criminal past. The following are criteria wherein your criminal record may be cleared:
- 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
- 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
- However, certain crimes may never be cleared from you record, such as:
Once I Have Cleared My Record, Can it Still Be Used against Me?
Even if your record is clear, the following situations might still affect you: - A cleared conviction can still count against you as a prior offense if you have another case in the future
- A cleared conviction can still count if the court is considering revoking or suspending your driver’s license
- If any government agency asks you directly about your prior convictions, you must tell them of your cleared status
- You must still obey your jurisdiction’s statute, if one does exist, about not owning or possessing a weapon
Should I Contact a Lawyer about My Criminal Record?
If you have questions about the status of your criminal record, or want to attempt to have your record cleared, the advice of a criminal defense attorney can be extremely helpful. |
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