Lawrence County Expungement Lawyer

Expungement is a legal process that allows people with an arrest record, but not convicted to have their record erased. It is a process that many people may wish to pursue if they have any sort of arrest record which may show up on background checks.

Those types of records may affect a person’s ability to get a job, get a promotion, go to college, get a loan or a lease on property, and be eligible for certain benefits, such as possession of a firearm or travel visas.

Speak with a dedicated attorney to help you figure out if your arrest record is eligible for expungement. Unfortunately, not all are eligible, but an attorney may be able to offer you advice and help you move forward with the process if you are eligible under the laws of Alabama. Consider calling a Lawrence county expungement lawyer to see what help they can give you and how you may be able to get your record expunged.

If the government has charged a person with a misdemeanor criminal offense, a traffic violation or city law violation, that person may petition the court where the charges were brought to have their record expunged if the court dismissed the charges with prejudice; a grand jury declared the charges “no billed”; the court found the person not guilty; or, the court dismissed the charges without prejudice two or more years ago and the government has not refiled the charges and has not charged the person with any other violation during the two years (Code of Alabama 15-27-1).

If the government has charged a person with a non-violent felony offense, that person may petition the court where the charges were brought to have their record expunged if:

• The court dismissed the charges with prejudice;
• A grand jury declared the charges “no billed”;
• The court dismissed the charges after the person successfully completed some court-ordered program;
• The court dismissed the charges without prejudice five or more years ago and the government has not refiled the charges and during that time the government has not convicted the person of any other crime or violation; or,
• The court dismissed the charges prejudice, no-billed, acquitted the person or nolle prosequi, and the government has not refiled the charges within 90 days (Code of Alabama 15-27-2).

If you wish to have your record expunged, you will need to file a petition with the court where the government filed the charges. If you do not live in Alabama, but have charges in Lawrence County, a Lawrence county expungement lawyer can assist you with filing, even from out-of-state.

It is possible that the victim or District Attorney can object to your petition. If that happens, the court will schedule a hearing. If there is no objection, typically the judge can rule on your petition without a hearing. If the court denies your petition, you may be able to appeal that judge’s ruling.

If you or a loved one has an arrest record, it may affect your lives and your future. Consider reaching out to an attorney who can help you navigate the expungement process and may be able to ensure that you have the strongest chance possible in having your record cleared.

A representative may be able to advise you as to your eligibility for expungement and what hurdles may be in your way. Call a Lawrence county expungement lawyer today.