Criminal records are an important part of the criminal justice system. They provide a record of someone’s past legal history and can be used to determine future sentencing decisions. But what exactly is a criminal record? How do they work? And how can they be expunged or sealed?
In this blog post, we will take you through all you need to know about criminal records—from understanding your rights as an individual with such a record, to learning more about expungement and record sealing processes. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of how this important aspect of the law works. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Know About Criminal Records
What are Criminal Records?
Criminal records are simply a list of all the convictions and sentences that an individual has received throughout their lifetime. They are used to determine if someone is permitted to receive certain benefits, like housing or employment. Criminal records also play a major role in determining future sentencing decisions—someone with a criminal record may be seen as a more serious offender than someone without one. So, it’s important for individuals to understand what’s included in their criminal record and how it can affect their future opportunities.
Can a Criminal Record Be Expunged or Sealed?
In some cases, yes! Expungement is the process of removing something from an individual’s criminal record. This can be done for certain types of convictions, like misdemeanors and felonies that have been committed a long time ago and do not carry any risk. Expungement also applies to juvenile charges.
Record sealing is similar, but it does not remove the information from your record—it just prevents it from being seen by the public. Record sealing is usually used in cases where the individual has received a conviction that could be seen as minor or non-threatening. This process blocks employers, landlords, and others from seeing the information on their background check.
It is important to note that expunging or sealing your record does not mean all of your records are cleared—it just means that certain information is not accessible to the public.
How Do I Go About Expunging or Sealing My Record?
The process of expunging or sealing your record can vary from state to state, so it’s important to research the specific laws in your area. In general, you will have to submit an application to the court system and provide evidence that supports why you should be allowed to have your records expunged or sealed. Your application must also be approved by a judge before it can take effect.
Once your application has been approved, all records related to the charges in question will be removed from databases like criminal background checks and arrest reports. This means that employers and other third parties will not be able to see the information on your criminal record.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that expungement and record sealing are not always easy processes. But if you want to clear your name or secure better job opportunities, it is definitely worth considering.
We hope this guide has provided you with useful information about criminal records and how they work. If you have any additional questions about criminal record expungement or record sealing, contact our Indianapolis defense attorneys at 317-636-7514, today. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!
Related Posts:
The 3 Step Approach to Expunging a Criminal Record
Where to Get Juvenile Record Expungement Legal Help in Indiana
Should I Expunge a Criminal Charge That Never Ended With a Conviction?