Having a criminal record can negatively impact the quality of your life. For instance, you may be denied a job opportunity, housing, or even admission to some educational institutions. In short, your life is tied to the criminal record no matter how much you have turned over a new leaf and seek to be a productive member of society.
Therefore, you might want to consider expunging your criminal record. It will likely go a long way in improving your life and opening up to opportunities that you would have otherwise been impossible.
What does expungement mean?
Basically, it means sealing your criminal record away from the public. Under California law, if you have pleaded guilty or been convicted of a crime but have completed your probationary period, you may pursue an expungement of the charges. The court will consider, among other factors:
- The time that has gone by since your arrest or conviction
- The seriousness and nature of the crime for which you are seeking expungement
- Your criminal history and the severity of your past crimes
If approved, you are legally allowed not to disclose your conviction, say, when applying for a job. However, certain crimes such as sex crimes involving children are not eligible for expungement. In addition, while an expungement will hide your criminal record from most employers, it can still be accessed by certain individuals. Such instances include applying for a position within the criminal justice department or some positions with the federal government.
Expungement is not so straightforward
Getting your criminal records expunged is not a simple affair, and things may get a bit complex along the way. It is, therefore, important to proceed with the necessary information at hand to improve your chances of a positive result. A brighter future lies ahead after having your criminal record expunged, and it is highly recommended that you be aware of all the legalities involved.