Make Sure Your Record Reflects Your Character

By having your records expunged of any arrests or convictions, they are “sealed” or erased from your criminal record for most purposes. After you’ve worked with an attorney in Oregon to expunge your record, you will no longer need to disclose your criminal arrests or convictions. That means during background checks, or public records inspections conducted by employers, educational institutions, or other companies will not reveal any criminal records from the past.

It’s important to remember, however, that an expunged record is not a forgotten one. These records aren’t completely erased, and an expungement will still be a part of your criminal record. That means that certain government entities, like law enforcement and criminal courts, can still view these records. In some cases, an expunged record that is “under seal” may be considered as evidence of a prior arrest or conviction.

These phrases are often used interchangeably but are not equivalent. Getting your records sealed is similar to an expungement but the sealed record still exists after it’s been sealed. That means that the sealed record can be found both legally and physically. Expungement leads to the deletion of any record that an arrest or charge has occurred.

These terms are also often confused. It’s important to remember that a pardon forgives a person for any offense and then cancels any of the punishments that may still remain. Pardons are only necessary after a conviction has been made. 

The main difference between an expungement and a pardon is that any records are still public after a pardon. In some cases, the individual can then work to have the offense that was pardoned subsequently expunged from their records. Expungements can be granted by judges, while pardons are typically granted by state governors or the President of the United States.

After an arrest or a conviction, you may struggle to find a job, take out a loan, or get a professional license. Fortunately, getting your record expunged is a sort of “second chance.” The first step is to schedule a consultation with an expungement attorney to see whether you’re eligible for an expungement or not.

If you meet all of these requirements, you can move forward with the expungement process.

The actual process begins when you meet with an expungement attorney who helps you file the proper documentation. The documents are filed with the Oregon court of law in the same jurisdiction where you were arrested or convicted. The prosecuting attorney and the court then reviews the case history and either approves or denies the case. Once approved, the criminal record is expunged. In some cases, you may have to have completed all of your sentences or probation.

It’s important to remember that the petition to expunge your record is generally specific to one crime, conviction, or arrest, and not your entire criminal record.

Not every case is eligible to be expunged. Certain expungement requirements (such as lapse of time) must be met. For example, generally at least three years must have gone by since the date of the conviction, arrest, or judgment on a violation, that you wish to have expunged. In some situations, 10 years must have passed since the last arrest or conviction. If charges were never brought against you in court, but you were initially arrested, you may be eligible to have the arrest set-aside after one year. Eligibility for expungement isn’t always easy to determine without the help of an experienced expungement attorney. To see if you qualify to have your past mistakes or indiscretions set aside, and your criminal charges expunged or arrest record cleared, contact the Donahue Law Firm today. Your initial expungement consultation with an attorney is free. Call Today: (541) 216-7266.

Even if you aren’t eligible for expungement, you may be eligible for other types of relief from long-term consequences such as Oregon driver license restoration, or getting your gun rights restored.

More than just cleaning up your criminal record, expungement offers a host of benefits that can dramatically improve your quality of life. A criminal record, whether it’s an arrest or a conviction, can keep you from pursuing educational opportunities, new careers, and even places to live.

A background check is a standard part of most employment offers, and those without an expunged record may struggle to find employment. Having your record expunged makes you eligible for a wider variety of career opportunities. However, if you’re looking for employment with the federal government or with law enforcement, this record may be accessible to these agencies, regardless of whether your record was expunged or not.

In many cases, free and low-cost assistance and resource programs are only available to those who submit their personal information, including whether they have been arrested or convicted. Additionally, a criminal record can impact your relationships with friends, family, and community members. By having these marks expunged, you gain access to these valuable networks again.

You can seek an expungement for a number of reasons, but it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney when you do so. The Donahue Law Firm can help you produce professional applications and documents that improve your chance of getting your record expunged. Most of the time, we are able to expunge past indiscretions for the cost of less than one month’s rent. Call to speak with an attorney to see if expungement is an option for you. Expunge the past. Move on with your future. Call Today: (541) 216-7266