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PRACTICE AREASExpungement Attorney – Slidell & Metairie
A criminal record can continue to affect your life long after a case has ended. A past arrest, charge, or conviction may create challenges when applying for employment, housing, education, professional opportunities, or other services. Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, you may be eligible to have certain records expunged or otherwise removed from public access. At Frank D’Amico, Jr., we help individuals understand their options for clearing or limiting access to qualifying criminal records, determine whether they may be eligible for expungement, and navigate the legal process involved.
Common Expungement Issues
- Dismissed Charges– Exploring whether charges that were dismissed may qualify for expungement or other forms of record relief.
- Not-Guilty Verdicts– Determining whether records from cases that ended in an acquittal may be eligible for removal.
- Arrest Records– Addressing certain arrest records when no conviction resulted, depending on applicable law.
- Misdemeanor Records– Determining whether certain misdemeanor convictions may qualify for expungement or record sealing.
- First-Time Offenses– Exploring available record relief for individuals with limited or no prior criminal history.
- Drug Offenses– Reviewing whether qualifying drug-related charges or convictions may be eligible for expungement or another form of relief.
- Diversion Programs– Helping individuals who successfully completed a diversion or deferred disposition program determine whether their records may qualify for relief.
- Juvenile Records– Addressing eligible juvenile criminal records that may be subject to different rules and procedures.
- Employment Background Checks– Helping individuals understand how an expunged or sealed record may affect certain background checks.
- Record Sealing– Determining whether sealing rather than expungement may be an available option when complete removal is not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expungement?
Expungement generally refers to a legal process that allows certain qualifying criminal records to be removed, destroyed, or otherwise treated as though they are no longer publicly accessible, depending on the applicable law. The exact effect of expungement varies by jurisdiction.
Can I expunge a criminal conviction?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of offense, the outcome of the case, the amount of time that has passed, your criminal history, and applicable law. Not every conviction is eligible for expungement.
Can a dismissed charge be expunged?
In many jurisdictions, dismissed charges may be eligible for expungement or another form of record relief. However, eligibility requirements and procedures vary depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Can an arrest be expunged if I was never convicted?
Potentially. Certain arrest records may qualify for expungement when they did not result in a conviction. An attorney can review the circumstances and determine whether you may qualify.
Will an expunged record appear on a background check?
An expunged or sealed record may no longer appear on certain public background checks, but the effect varies depending on the jurisdiction, type of record, and purpose of the background check. Some government agencies or other authorized entities may still have access under applicable law.
How long does expungement take?
The timeframe varies depending on the jurisdiction, type of record, eligibility requirements, court procedures, and whether any objections are filed. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others can take considerably longer.
Does expungement erase my criminal history completely?
Not necessarily. The legal effect of expungement differs from state to state. Some records may be destroyed or removed from public access, while certain government agencies or courts may retain limited access to the information.
Can expungement help me get a job?
An eligible expungement may make certain criminal records less accessible to employers conducting public background checks. However, the effect on employment applications depends on applicable law and the type of position involved.
What if I am not eligible for expungement?
Other forms of record relief may be available depending on the circumstances, including record sealing, certificates of rehabilitation, pardons, or other remedies recognized under applicable law.
Do I need an attorney for an expungement?
The expungement process can involve eligibility requirements, court filings, notices, and other legal procedures. Frank D’Amico, Jr. can review your criminal record, determine whether you may qualify for expungement or another form of record relief, and help guide you through the process of seeking to clear or limit access to your record.