Misdemeanors can remain on your record for life, making it difficult to get certain jobs and accommodations. It is possible to have them removed, but it depends on the severity of the crime and other factors. Hiring an attorney and meeting all court requirements can improve your chances. Be honest and respectful during the hearing.
Sadly, if you’ve committed a misdemeanor, there’s a good chance it will remain on your resume for life. Courts rarely strike out a misdemeanor record or issue a pardon, without extremely good cause. The best way to avoid having a record is not to commit the crime in the first place. Otherwise, except in very select cases, the offense will be part of the public record and accessible to any individual or organization wishing to verify your background.
Having a misdemeanor record, depending on the state or country you live in, can make it nearly impossible for you to get specific types of work. For example, if you were convicted of driving while intoxicated (DUI), you would likely be barred from doing any work that involves transporting people or goods. Your record can prevent you from renting certain rental accommodations and can even play a role in military enlistment. That said, you can ask the court to remove the offense from your record or have the record sealed. Your chances of success will depend on the severity or class of the crime, where you live, your age at the time of the crime, and the mood of the courthouse you appear at.
The laws and statutes relating to your criminal record are highly arbitrary, and there are only a few scenarios in which you might be able to purge the trademark from your files. The first situation is being found not guilty of a wrongdoing or having your complaint dismissed before the trial begins. The offense may still appear on your record and can usually be removed since it is actually a clerical error. If you committed a crime before you were legally considered an adult, there’s a good chance it will be stricken from your record when you reach the age of 18.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t try to erase a felony arrest or conviction from your court and police records. The courts can sometimes show mercy, especially if you’ve only committed one crime and have no history of further crimes. Your first step is to hire a petty crime attorney, because the laws relating to such matters are complex and confusing. You will then pay a fee to the court or local police department, who are required to provide you with a copy of your complete criminal record upon request.
Your attorney will review your record and let you know if your offense has a chance of being expunged or pardoned. Some small offenses may be removed, but most will remain. To improve your chances, if you’ve actually been convicted and have a legitimate criminal record, make sure you’ve met all the court’s requirements. You must have paid all fines, attended required classes, been in prison, or completed all required hours of community service.
If your attorney thinks your criminal record could be expunged, he or she will petition the court and represent you at a hearing. Do not attempt to represent yourself, as the court often dislikes those who wish to act as their own attorneys. Dress well and be polite when the judge questions you. Above all, be honest and be on time for your hearing. Your future rests in the hands of the judge hearing your case, and few things can irritate him more than a petitioner who arrives late and doesn’t seem to appreciate the court time.
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