Expungement is the legal process by which a court removes or erases all records of a criminal conviction, even if it is a felony conviction. If you wish to remove a felony from your record and you are eligible to do so under the laws of the state in which you were convicted, you will have to obtain a court order. If you are successful in having your conviction expunged, your records related to this conviction will be erased and sealed from public view.
All states have different procedures for expunging felony matters. Generally, you must file a motion or petition for expungement with the court that heard the felony charges. All states have different eligibility requirements for the expungement of felony convictions. In almost all states, there are certain types or classes of felony convictions that cannot be expunged, and in a fair amount of states, felony convictions cannot be expunged at all.
A Record of Conviction is a legal document that details someone's criminal history or past convictions. It serves as an official record of a person's involvement in criminal activities, providing important information about their past offenses, charges, and legal consequences. This document is typically issued by the relevant authorities, such as the court system or law enforcement agencies, and is used by various entities such as employers, landlords, and government agencies to assess an individual's character and reliability. The Record of Conviction generally includes key details such as the person's name, aliases, date of birth, social security number, and a chronological list of their convictions or criminal charges. Each entry typically includes information about the offense committed, the court where it was prosecuted, the date of conviction, and the sentence imposed, which may include fines, probation, community service, and imprisonment. In some cases, additional information like mugshots, fingerprints, and personal identifiers may also be present in the record. Different types of Records of Conviction exist to address specific needs or jurisdictions. These can include: 1. Criminal Background Check Record: This record is often requested by employers during the hiring process to ensure the safety and security of their workplace. It helps employers determine if an applicant has a criminal record and evaluate the potential risks associated with hiring them. 2. Police Clearance Certificate: Also known as a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct, this document is often required when applying for visas, immigration, or citizenship in a foreign country. It provides evidence that the individual has now pending criminal charges or convictions in their home country. 3. Driving Record: This type of record specifically focuses on an individual's driving-related offenses, such as traffic violations, reckless driving, or driving under the influence (DUI). It is used by insurance companies, employers in transportation industries, and law enforcement agencies to assess a person's driving behavior. 4. Juvenile Record: A Record of Conviction for juveniles typically includes information about crimes committed by individuals below the age of 18. These records are often confidential and are generally handled differently from adult criminal records, with the intention of rehabilitation and protective measures rather than punishment. It's important to note that the availability and accessibility of a Record of Conviction may vary depending on jurisdiction and local laws. Certain convictions may be expunged or sealed after a specific period or under certain circumstances, allowing individuals to remove or restrict access to those records.
