3 Ways to Clear Your Criminal Records

Criminal records can limit a persons future and hold them back from reaching their potential in life, work and otherwise. Years after a criminal offense, a convict can still be dealing with the embarrassment of disclosing their criminal history or live in fear of neighbors, employers and friends discovering their pasts. Dealing with sealing your records or clearing them can be a difficult process. An attorney can advise you of what steps you must take in your jurisdiction to seal your criminal records of conviction and arrest. 

Ways to Clear Your Record

The best way to clear your criminal record will depend on the law in the state where your record was established. It may also depend on the severity of the crimes committed and your behavior after conviction. Here are some of the ways in which criminal records are cleared depending on these factors:

Pardon.

In some states where no other remedy is available, if you wish to have your criminal record erased, you can seek a pardon by the state, usually handled by the governor. These are usually rarely granted, but there are cases in which they are granted.

Expungement.

Expungement is a common process for removing criminal records, including conviction and arrest records. This is also handled by the state as is most record removal procedure. It is not available in all states, but in states that allow it, it is granted on a case by case basis to convicts who have proved a pattern of good behavior post conviction for a number of years.

Certificate of Rehabilitation.

You can get a Certificate of Rehabilitation in some states which can have the effect of removing your criminal record. For example, if you are dealing with sex offender registration in a state that allows such a remedy, you may be relieved of this obligation by getting a Certificate of Rehabilitation from the state.

Getting Legal Help

A criminal defense attorney can help you with the process of clearing your criminal record if you are currently a candidate. Discuss your record with an attorney in your state who handles expungements and Certificates of Rehabilitation to find out what you need to do to clear your name. An attorney can handle the paperwork for you and help you get on with your life free from the confines of a criminal record.