If you have been arrested for a crime, you may have questions about criminal expungement. Our Atlanta, GA criminal defense lawyers can help.
Being involved in the criminal justice system can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. What is more, it can also have a big impact on your future. Even if you are merely arrested for a crime and not convicted, your arrest record can impact your ability to secure a job or other opportunities. Depending on the details of your criminal history, expungement may be an option. Our Georgia criminal defense attorneys can answer all of your questions about expungement, also called record restriction, and guide you through the process. Call us today to learn more.
What is Expungement/Record Restriction?
Certain criminal records can be sealed or hidden so that others cannot see them—this is called record restriction. For example, if you were arrested for a crime and then have the record restricted, employers and others would not be able to see the arrest record as part of your criminal background. Record restriction does not permanently delete your record, it just hides it from certain parties; criminal justice officials and judicial officials will still be able to see your records.
How to Expunge a Criminal Record
One important thing to keep in mind when pursuing a record expungement is that only certain crimes can be restricted.
First, felony convictions are never eligible for expungement, regardless of how much time has passed. Most of the time, arrests are the most common type of criminal record to be eligible for expungement. An arrest that qualifies for record restriction includes certain misdemeanor crimes, as well as cases that are closed without conviction.
To expunge your criminal record, start by contacting the arresting agency and asking more about how to submit a request—the process varies by county. It is a good idea to request a record of your criminal history at this point.
Next, you will need to fill out a Request to Restrict Arrest Record form. You will need to file this form and pay the proper filing fee. The arresting agency may require additional documentation, so be prepared.
Do I Need an Attorney in GA?
You may need an attorney to file a Petition with the court, depending on the type of record restriction or expungement that you are seeking. Your attorney can provide information about whether your criminal record is eligible for expungement, and, if so, what the process for requesting an expungement is. They can also handle filing all paperwork with the court and representing you throughout the process.
Call Ghanayem & Rayasam Today
At the law office of Ghanayem & Raysam, our experienced Atlanta, GA criminal defense attorneys understand how having a criminal record can impact your life. If you are interested in expungement/record restriction, we can help. To learn more about our criminal defense services and how to get started, call our law firm directly today or send us a message by phone or online. We are here to represent you.