Ways Criminal Record Expungement Benefits You
Criminal record expungement is a process that people can use if they want to have past criminal charges removed from their records. Criminal expungement is not guaranteed to everyone that wants it, but it is an option for many people. If you have criminal charges that you are tired of dealing with on your record, you can hire a lawyer and begin pursuing criminal record expungement. Here are some of the benefits expungement offers if the court approves your case.
It Will No Longer be a Part of Public Record
The criminal expungement process removes criminal charges from a person's record. While this process removes the records, it does not make the person innocent. It simply removes or hides the charges from public records. The public record is something that anyone can access. You can go to a courthouse to access public records, or you can do it online. When you have criminal charges on your record, the information is free to anyone that looks for it. If you can get your expungement case approved, this will no longer be the case.
You Will Face Fewer Challenges Getting a Job
When you fill out job applications, do you cringe when you see the question about felonies or misdemeanors? Most people do when they have a criminal history, but you must answer the questions honestly. If you have a criminal record with misdemeanors or felonies, you must include these on the applications. After a record is expunged, you can answer "no" to this question. In addition, a background check will not typically reveal expunged records.
You Will Face Fewer Challenges Getting Approved for Rental Property
The same thing is true when it comes to renting an apartment or anything else. When you fill out a rental application, it will ask you if you have a criminal record. It might also ask if you are willing to consent to a criminal background check. Before you get the charges expunged, you must admit that you have them, and the landlord will find them if they perform a background check. After expungement, the criminal charges will not show up on your record.
It Will No Longer Prevent You from Fostering or Adopting Children
Another issue you can face from criminal charges is trouble when you want to adopt a child or become a foster parent. Most states do not allow people to adopt or foster children when they have criminal histories. If this is something you want to do in the future, you should start working with a lawyer on your expungement case.
Volunteering Will Be Easier
One more benefit you will have after the expungement is the freedom to volunteer. If you ever want to volunteer at your child's school or through a youth organization, the organization will require a background check. They do this to protect the children, and most organizations will not allow people to volunteer if they have a criminal past. Therefore, your criminal past might prevent you from coaching your child's baseball team or volunteering at the school carnival. If you want more freedom to do these types of things, contact a lawyer to begin the process of criminal record expungement.
If your criminal charges prevent you from doing these things or other things, why not start pursuing expungement? If you are interested in learning more about the criminal record expungement law in your state, contact a criminal law firm today in your city. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the process and help you understand any expectations or additional rules in your state.
