Having a criminal offense on record is never a good thing. Whether you’re looking for a job, applying to school, or trying to get an apartment, having a criminal offense on record can inhibit your ability to live a fulfilling and prosperous life. That’s where Cummings & Kennedy law firm comes into the picture. Our seasoned team of lawyers is ready to fight for your rights to live a life that isn’t tainted by mistakes and offenses made in the past.
Getting a criminal offense does not mean that it has to be on your record for the rest of your life. At Cummings & Kennedy law firm, we provide expungement attorneys to help protect your future.
What is an expungement?
If it is your first-time offender, you can get your crime expunged from the record. This means that when records are sealed and a background check is run (for a job, school, or rental home), no offense would show up. Essentially, it is a lawsuit in which you seek to have criminal records sealed so the record is unavailable. This provides you with the confidence and power to check off “No” when asked if you have a criminal offense.
Can an expungement apply to me? In the state of North Carolina, if you are charged with a first-time offense, and have not had prior expungements, you are eligible for an expungement. If you receive a misdemeanor or a felony and it was dismissed that they were determined to be not guilty, you can be eligible for an expungement, sealing all records related to the trial.
When am I unable to get an expungement?
An expungement sadly does not apply to everyone. If you have received a previous expungement, this denies your ability to get another expungement. Unfortunately, the court only recognizes a single expungement offense to be applicable and will therefore not seal the record on a second-time offense. Having a previous criminal conviction, that was not expunged, disqualifies you from getting an expungement as well. This means that if you already have something on your record, you can not receive expungements that occur after the conviction. If there are pending criminal charges and you’re awaiting trial for them, you can not receive an expungement. This sort of plays off of the rule previously mentioned – only a first-time offender is applicable to receive an expungement. Finally, if the charge is in relation to a motor vehicle violation, this disqualifies you from an expungement lawsuit.
If you think you qualify for an expungement, Cummings & Kennedy law firm is ready to help fight for your right to clear your record. We understand and recognize the importance of receiving an expungement to empower you to have a bright future. When choosing to work with a Carteret County criminal defense attorney, we are ready to provide you with our experience and motivation to protect your rights and your future. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our expungement lawyers.