What is an expungement?
How do I know if l qualify?
How much does it cost?
How long does it take?
The job application I filled out asked if I have ever been convicted of a crime. How do I answer?
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

What is an expungement?
An expungement can mean either the removal from the public record or the destruction of your prior criminal record. Essentially, an expungement can mean a “clean slate” in regards to your prior criminal record.

How do I know if l qualify?
There are many factors that must be considered, including whether your prior arrest resulted in a conviction, whether you were sentenced under certain provisions of law, and whether you were convicted of certain types of crimes. This is a complex area of the law, and there are as many answers as there are individual situations.

How much does it cost?
If your request is uncontested, the process is fairly inexpensive . However, expungements can be expensive if the district attorney or arresting agency (Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, State Police, etc.) wants to fight your request. At a minimum, you can expect to pay around $250 in filing fees and other costs in addition to the lawyer’s fee.

How long does it take?
Expungements can take a year or more to process.

The job application I filled out asked if I have ever been convicted of a crime. How do I answer?
If you have had your record expunged, you can answer “no” to any question about prior convictions. However, there are major exceptions. For example, if you are applying for a job in law enforcement or the medical field, expunged records are irrelevant, and full disclosure is required. A lawyer can help you navigate these issues based on the facts of your case.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
The law divides criminal offenses into two types: felonies and misdemeanors. In general, misdemeanors are “minor” offenses, requiring jail time of less than a year. Felonies, on the other hand, are considered “major” offenses and can range from a third offense DUI / DWI to murder. A felony conviction means you no longer have the right to vote, hold public office, or possess firearms.