Criminal Record Clean-up: What You Can Do

I’m often asked to help people to clean up their criminal record. There are many options available to the client who wants to put the past behind them and move on to a more positive direction in their lives. I make the following recommendations:

1. Write down as much as you can remember about your conviction so your lawyer can help you. Dates, case number, courthouse, sentence, whether or not you successfully completed probation and whether any fines are due and owing.

2. Obtain a copy of your conviction. This is free to you, simply by driving to the courthouse, giving a clerk your name and other information above, and waiting for a copy to be generated. This will help your attorney understand the details of your conviction and will make it easier for him to guide you through the process.

3. What are your options? You may be entitled to an expungement of your conviction. This is useful in many employment situations. Better yet, you may be eligible to withdraw your plea and have your case dismissed. Other options include motions to reduce felonies to misdemeanors and lastly, Certificates of Rehabilitation and even Pardons are an option.

The more information you provide your lawyer, the better outcome you will achieve. If you have turned your life around, protect your future. Gather letters of recommendation, awards, certificates, degrees, volunteer awards, or any other document that reflects positive change, and let your lawyer help brighten your future.