Have you been convicted of a criminal offense? Criminal convictions can be life-changing for many people as they can impact everything from finding housing to securing a job. After a conviction, you may be lost as to what your next steps are. One potential step if you are facing these circumstances is to seek expungement of your criminal history record. HAWM Law attorneys are dedicated to ensuring fairness and justice. We will work with you to make your life better than when you initially contacted our office for legal services.

What is Expungement?

Expunging a criminal record means that a criminal offense is removed completely from your official, permanent record. The impact of an expungement means that the offense is no longer accessible to the general public. Also, any of the court records relating to your prior criminal conviction will be sealed – further preventing access to the documents. Once your criminal record is sealed, the only way to access the expunged documents is to request a court order.

Am I Eligible to Have My Criminal Record Expunged?

Expungements are available in adult and juvenile cases, but not all cases are eligible. The following situations make you eligible for expungements services:

• Cases that have been sealed for at least 10 years;
• A charge that was dismissed before trial; and
• Adjudications of guilt in traffic violations.

A sealed case is a charge that resulted in an acquittal after trial.

However, some cases require additional elements to be expunged. One such special circumstance is a human trafficking expunction, which is for victims of human trafficking who have a criminal record as a result of the human trafficking scheme they were a victim of. Another special case arises where a juvenile has completed an authorized pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion program for a non-violent misdemeanor. The juvenile’s offense cannot have involved domestic violence, otherwise, they are not eligible for expungement.