Is Getting an Expungement Really Worth The Cost?

Are you wondering: is getting an expungement worth it? Having a criminal record can hang over your head and make life difficult. It may hinder you from getting a job or even finding a decent place to live. Having a criminal record can even allow you to not get credit. That means it may be best to get your record expunged if possible. We are going to talk about the benefits of expunging your criminal record and how to do it. 

Expunging Your Record is Worth It 

Many people state that it is one of the best things that they ever did when they get their record expunged. Having a clean record means that you do not have to disclose your past records with a potential employer. This makes it easier to get a job as well. It also means that you do not have to tell creditors, property owners, or anyone else about your prior conviction. 

Keep in mind that not everyone is eligible for expungement. You can only expunge things that are non-violent in nature. If you are not eligible for an expungement, you may be eligible for what is known as sealing. Sealing is like expungement, but it is not going to erase it from your record. Instead, it will ensure that the public does not see the crime. This means that employers, those who do not do fingerprinting, will not be able to see it. However, police and court officials will still see this charge. 

Expunging Your Charges 

Remember, just because you qualify, does not mean that the process is simple or cheap. You must meet the following requirements to qualify for expungement. 

1. You will not have any other convictions on your record. However, you may have speeding or traffic violations. Those do not count against you. 
2. You have no pending charges against you at the time. 
3. All fines and restitution were paid off from the charge. 
4. You have waited the right amount of time before applying.  For misdemeanor convictions, you can remove one every fifteen years. For a DUI conviction, you can remove one every ten years. For a felony, you can remove one every fifteen years. 
5. You must be done with probation before you can apply for an expungement. 

Applying for Expungement 

There are six simple steps that will allow you to file for a petition of expungement. We are going to talk about the steps to take when looking to file for expungement. 

1. You need to make sure that you are filling out the proper paperwork. If you have trouble finding this, it will be at the Clerk of Courts. 
2. You can also go to Carl Barkemeyer Criminal Defense Attorney for help with expungement. They will ensure that the process is done properly. 
3. You need to make sure that you have all documents needed for the court. The documents needed will be stated on the paperwork that you get from the Clerk of Courts. Some courts will require more than others for this process. Be sure to pay attention to what the paperwork says. 
4. You will need to file your case. This will be all your documents and paperwork that has been filled out. You will need your criminal record. It must be within thirty days of filing your petition. 
5. You pay the fee. This fee will cost about 550 dollars initially. However, the final costs are closer to $700. 
6. Now you wait until your court date comes around.  This is going to be when you want to hire a lawyer. It would be best to have someone who knows the law on your side. Picking the best lawyer is easy. All you need to do is call Carl Barkemeyer Criminal Defense Attorney. 

Wrapping Up: Is Getting An Expungement Worth It?

 While the cost of getting a record expunged is quite high, it is worth it. You will have a much easier life and time getting a job without a record. Even if you cannot get the record expunged, you could talk to your lawyer about sealing the record. This will help you get a job, credit, home, and more. Call the best today to ensure that you are taken care of.  Carl Barkemeyer Criminal Defense Attorney is here to help. Please feel free to contact him and learn more about the value of expungements.