Having a criminal record hanging over your head can affect your life in several ways. You may miss out on numerous opportunities simply because of your criminal past. However, there is a way around it – by expunging your record.
Think of expungement as getting a second chance. It means that your criminal past will not show up to the general public, and any previous arrest or conviction will be like it never happened. Here is more on what you need to know about expungements.
Are you eligible?
Whether or not you can have your criminal record expunged in California depends on various factors. First, you need to note that the court cannot expunge all criminal records, and it depends largely on the type of crimes under consideration. Repeat offenders or those convicted of serious or violent crimes usually cannot have their records expunged. In addition, you should not have any pending criminal cases, and you must have completed your sentence or probation for all past crimes.
What it means for you
If your criminal record is expunged, you do not have to disclose it to a potential employer or landlord. A background check by private citizens is also not likely to reveal your past brushes with the law after expungement.
Expunging your criminal record is not always a smooth process. You are likely to encounter legal hitches along the way, not to mention the amount of paperwork you have to file. Therefore, you need to be well prepared to deal with anything. Legal help will increase your chances of successfully expunging your criminal record, which will go a long way in improving your quality of life.