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I wasn’t convicted: Should I bother getting my record expunged?

On Behalf of | Apr 1, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Expunction is the process of sealing or erasing arrest and criminal records. Every now and then, we slip up, as all humans do, and it may result in a criminal record. Other times it’s a simple case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time that ends in your arrest. Either way, it affects your permanent record, and that information is available to the public.

The problem is that people often equate an arrest record to actual guilt. They may think, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Here are some ways in which having an arrest record can affect your life:

Employment

Most employers will conduct a background check as part of the hiring process. If you have a criminal record, this will likely come up during the check. Depending on the type of crime and when it occurred, having a criminal record can make it difficult to get hired for a job

Housing

Landlords have the right to deny your rental application if you have a record. They, too, can perform background checks on you even if you choose not to reveal your past dealings with the law. Conversely, they may accept your application but raise the rates for you. 

Loan services

It may be difficult for you to secure funds to buy a vehicle, home, or for your business, etc. with a record. Trouble with the law generally makes lenders hesitant and, even if they do give you funds, your rates are likely to be exorbitant.

Privacy

If you want to keep your run-in details with the law private, consider filing for an expunction. Anyone can look up your criminal history which could result in discrimination. 

There is no reason for you to suffer the consequences of a criminal record outside the law, especially after the courts didn’t convict you. There are ways to clear or seal your criminal record, but it takes time and effort. If you have a criminal record, it’s important to start taking steps now to improve your future prospects.

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