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#*In other states like California, you cannot erase a criminal record from public view. But, the disposition of the case will show that the court dismissed the case.
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#*In other states like California, you cannot erase a criminal record from public view. But, the disposition of the case will show that the court dismissed the case.
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#*An expunged conviction will often remain on your criminal record for certain purposes. This includes sex offender registration and immigration.<ref>https://ift.tt/320vGKo>
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#*An expunged conviction will often remain on your criminal record for certain purposes. This includes sex offender registration and immigration.<ref>https://ift.tt/320vGKo>
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#Consider sealing your record. Expunging” a criminal record is different from “sealing” it. When a court “seals” a criminal record, it removes documents that are ordinarily
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#Consider sealing your record. Expunging” a criminal record is different from “sealing” it. When a court “seals” a criminal record, it removes documents that are ordinarily available for public inspection.<ref>http://www.dmv.org/criminal-record/record-expungement.php</ref>[[Image:Expunge Your Criminal Records Step 2.jpg|center]]
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#*As a consequence of expungement, the proceedings related to the case will be treated as though they never occurred. The state may ultimately destroy records. A sealed record still exists, but will not viewable through ordinary means.<ref>https://ift.tt/2nCzItG>
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#*As a consequence of expungement, the proceedings related to the case will be treated as though they never occurred. The state may ultimately destroy records. A sealed record still exists, but will not viewable through ordinary means.<ref>https://ift.tt/2nCzItG>
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#*Both record sealing and expungement allow you to declare that you do not have a conviction.
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#*Both record sealing and expungement allow you to declare that you do not have a conviction.
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#*The first step in getting a record sealed is to petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you
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#*The first step in getting a record sealed is to petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you or the court. In California, for example, you must fill out a form and return it to the applicable law enforcement agency. <ref>https://ift.tt/2pYomkl the law enforcement agency does not provide relief, you must petition the court.<ref>Cal. Pen. Code 851.8 (b)</ref>
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#*In other states like Massachusetts, it is possible to seal your criminal record by mail. Or, you can petition the court directly.<ref>https://ift.tt/35lYajR>
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#*In other states like Massachusetts, it is possible to seal your criminal record by mail. Or, you can petition the court directly.<ref>https://ift.tt/35lYajR>
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#*The process of sealing a criminal record is different depending on the state. In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. To give yourself the best possible chance of getting the outcome you want, it's advisable to work with an attorney.
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#*The process of sealing a criminal record is different depending on the state. In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. To give yourself the best possible chance of getting the outcome you want, it's advisable to work with an attorney.
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#*In some states like California, a pardon will relieve you of your duty to register as a sex offender.<ref>Cal. Pen. Code § 290.5.</ref>
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#*In some states like California, a pardon will relieve you of your duty to register as a sex offender.<ref>Cal. Pen. Code § 290.5.</ref>
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#* Generally, applicants for pardons must complete probation or parole. A certain period of time must then pass without further criminal activity.
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#* Generally, applicants for pardons must complete probation or parole. A certain period of time must then pass without further criminal activity.
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#*A pardon does not necessarily seal or expunge a criminal record. It does not allow a pardoned person to answer on employment applications that s/he has no record of a criminal conviction. A pardon is a gesture of forgiveness that restores certain rights. Pardons are becoming increasingly rare.
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#*A pardon does not necessarily seal or expunge a criminal record. It does not allow a pardoned person to answer on employment applications that s/he has no record of a criminal conviction. A pardon is a gesture of forgiveness that restores certain rights. Pardons are becoming increasingly rare.
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#*In some states like California, individuals with criminal records may apply for a direct pardon. You can get applications for direct
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#*In some states like California, individuals with criminal records may apply for a direct pardon. You can get applications for direct pardons from their state governor’s office. In other states, like Arkansas, applications are available online.
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#Consider a certificate of innocence. A certificate of actual innocence goes further than a regular expungement. It proves that you were innocent
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#Consider a certificate of innocence. A certificate of actual innocence goes further than a regular expungement. It proves that you were innocent and that the conviction or arrest never should have happened in the first place.<ref>https://ift.tt/3221Pl1> The requirements for obtaining a certificate of innocence will vary depending on your state.[[Image:Get a Trademark Step 17.jpg|center]]
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#*If you are able to meet your
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#*If you are able to meet your state's requirements, you can ask for this certificate. In some states, if you have already had your record expunged, you may not be eligible for a finding of factual innocence.<ref>https://ift.tt/3221Pl1>
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#*In states like California, you are eligible if you were arrested but the prosecutor never filed criminal charges. You might also be eligible if the court dismissed your case, or if a jury acquitted you.<ref>https://ift.tt/3221Pl1>
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#*In states like California, you are eligible if you were arrested but the prosecutor never filed criminal charges. You might also be eligible if the court dismissed your case, or if a jury acquitted you.<ref>https://ift.tt/3221Pl1>
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#*In some states, to get a petition of factual innocence you must petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Usually this must occur within a specified period of time after the arrest. In California, for example, you must do so within two years after the arrest. If the law enforcement agency denies your request, you can then petition the court to grant your request.
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#*In some states, to get a petition of factual innocence you must petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Usually, this must occur within a specified period of time after the arrest. In California, for example, you must do so within two years after the arrest. If the law enforcement agency denies your request, you can then petition the court to grant your request.
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#*In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. It is advisable to work with an attorney. You may consider contacting your public defender’s office. Depending on your specific case, some public defenders’ offices may be able to assist you.<ref>https://ift.tt/2OAOhsC>
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#*In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. It is advisable to work with an attorney. You may consider contacting your public defender’s office. Depending on your specific case, some public defenders’ offices may be able to assist you.<ref>https://ift.tt/2OAOhsC>
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#Get a Certificate of Rehabilitation. In some states, you can get a Certificate of Rehabilitation to clear up your criminal record. This is a court order declaring that you have been rehabilitated.<ref>http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/SDCOURT/GENERALINFORMATION/FORMS/CRIMINALFORMS/PKT016.PDF</ref>[[Image:Get-a-Job-with-a-Criminal-Record-Step-1-Version-2.jpg|center]]
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#Get a Certificate of Rehabilitation. In some states, you can get a Certificate of Rehabilitation to clear up your criminal record. This is a court order declaring that you have been rehabilitated.<ref>http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/SDCOURT/GENERALINFORMATION/FORMS/CRIMINALFORMS/PKT016.PDF</ref>[[Image:Get-a-Job-with-a-Criminal-Record-Step-1-Version-2.jpg|center]]
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#*A certificate of rehabilitation restores certain rights forfeited because of a criminal conviction.<ref>https://ift.tt/311FAtU> It can result in improved access to state occupational licensing programs. It may also relieve certain sex offenders from their duty to register.<ref>California Business and Professions Code 480 PC; California Penal Code 290.5 PC</ref>
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#*A certificate of rehabilitation restores certain rights forfeited because of a criminal conviction.<ref>https://ift.tt/311FAtU> It can result in improved access to state occupational licensing programs. It may also relieve certain sex offenders from their duty to register.<ref>California Business and Professions Code 480 PC; California Penal Code 290.5 PC</ref>
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#*In some states like California, a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon.<ref>California Penal Code 4852.16 PC</ref>
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#*In some states like California, a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon.<ref>California Penal Code 4852.16 PC</ref>
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#*In many states, to get a Certificate of Rehabilitation you must file a petition with the court. For example, in California you must submit letters of character and other documents as part of the petition.<ref>https://ift.tt/324fBU3>
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#*In many states, to get a Certificate of Rehabilitation you must file a petition with the court. For example, in California, you must submit letters of character and other documents as part of the petition.<ref>https://ift.tt/324fBU3>
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#Understand who's eligible for expungement. Every state has different requirements about who is eligible for expungement. Expungement exists to clear the records of people who probably won't receive further convictions. The following circumstances generally make someone eligible for expungement:<ref>https://ift.tt/323v46N; http://www.courts.ca.gov/1070.htm</ref>[[Image:Claim-Compensation-for-Whiplash-Step-27.jpg|center]]
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#Understand who's eligible for expungement. Every state has different requirements about who is eligible for expungement. Expungement exists to clear the records of people who probably won't receive further convictions. The following circumstances generally make someone eligible for expungement:<ref>https://ift.tt/323v46N; http://www.courts.ca.gov/1070.htm</ref>[[Image:Claim-Compensation-for-Whiplash-Step-27.jpg|center]]
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#*Being a first-time offender
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#*Being a first-time offender
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===Getting a Record Expunged===
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===Getting a Record Expunged===
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#Find out whether you're eligible for an expungement. Visit your state's courthouse or court website to find out what requirements you must fulfill. Since every situation is different, it can be difficult to determine whether
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#Find out whether you're eligible for an expungement. Visit your state's courthouse or court website to find out what requirements you must fulfill. Since every situation is different, it can be difficult to determine whether you are eligible. It's a good idea to speak with someone in person to find out how to proceed.[[Image:Stop-Grandparents-Visitation-Rights-Step-4.jpg|center]]
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#*In some instances, defense attorneys will negotiate agreement with prosecutors regarding future expungement. Specifically, the prosecutor agrees not to oppose expungement if the defendant meets all requirements. Be sure to check with your attorney to find out if such a discussion took place.
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#*In some instances, defense attorneys will negotiate an agreement with prosecutors regarding future expungement. Specifically, the prosecutor agrees not to oppose expungement if the defendant meets all requirements. Be sure to check with your attorney to find out if such a discussion took place.
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#File a petition for expungement. Once you've determined that you're eligible, file a petition with the courthouse. You'll have to pay a fee, and you'll have to wait for the court to process your paperwork. In some states, you'll receive a hearing date on which you'll meet with a judge to have your record expunged.<ref>http://www.dmv.org/criminal-record/record-expungement.php</ref>[[Image:Stop-Grandparents-Visitation-Rights-Step-10.jpg|center]]
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#File a petition for expungement. Once you've determined that you're eligible, file a petition with the courthouse. You'll have to pay a fee, and you'll have to wait for the court to process your paperwork. In some states, you'll receive a hearing date on which you'll meet with a judge to have your record expunged.<ref>http://www.dmv.org/criminal-record/record-expungement.php</ref>[[Image:Stop-Grandparents-Visitation-Rights-Step-10.jpg|center]]
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#*In some states like Florida, you will need to get a certificate of eligibility form. You'll also need a copy of the disposition of the case, and a set of fingerprints.
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#*In some states like Florida, you will need to get a certificate of eligibility form. You'll also need a copy of the disposition of the case, and a set of fingerprints. Certification of eligibility is not the same as an expungement. It is just the paperwork you must have in place to file a petition for expungement.
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#*In states like California, you must complete and file a Petition for Dismissal form. You must also submit an Order for Dismissal form and a Declaration.<ref>https://ift.tt/35lKEg2>
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#*In states like California, you must complete and file a Petition for Dismissal form. You must also submit an Order for Dismissal form and a Declaration.<ref>https://ift.tt/35lKEg2>
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#*Make sure you file the petition correctly according to the requirements in your state. Small mistakes in the petition may create delays in the proceedings
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#*Make sure you file the petition correctly according to the requirements in your state. Small mistakes in the petition may create delays in the proceedings since you'll have to start over.
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#*In some states, you must file the petition in the county where the court charged you with a crime.
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#*In some states, you must file the petition in the county where the court charged you with a crime.
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#Consider working with an attorney.It is a good idea to hire an attorney to help you navigate this process. An attorney can help you determine whether you're eligible. He or she will also help you fill out the paperwork properly and complete the necessary steps to get your expungement. If you have a hearing, he or she will also go to court and speak on your behalf.[[Image:Stop-Grandparents-Visitation-Rights-Step-3.jpg|center]]
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#Consider working with an attorney. It is a good idea to hire an attorney to help you navigate this process. An attorney can help you determine whether you're eligible. He or she will also help you fill out the paperwork properly and complete the necessary steps to get your expungement. If you have a hearing, he or she will also go to court and speak on your behalf.[[Image:Stop-Grandparents-Visitation-Rights-Step-3.jpg|center]]
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#*Even a case that seems straightforward could end up being more complicated than you thought. It is worth it to have an expert involved to help you.
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#*Even a case that seems straightforward could end up being more complicated than you thought. It is worth it to have an expert involved to help you.
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#*Consider contacting your local public defender’s office. Public defenders often help individuals seeking to improve their professional and personal opportunities. For
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#*Consider contacting your local public defender’s office. Public defenders often help individuals seeking to improve their professional and personal opportunities. For example, visit the Orange County, California Public Defender’s “New Leaf Program.” You can also check out the Clean Slate Clinic, located in Alameda County, California.
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== Tips ==
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== Tips ==
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*Be sure to consult with an attorney or professional who is familiar with the record clearing process in your state. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, the state may deny your expungement request. A common reason for denial is not meeting your state's expungement requirements.These requirements will vary, so be sure you understand your state's expungement requirements.
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*Be sure to consult with an attorney or professional who is familiar with the record clearing process in your state. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, the state may deny your expungement request. A common reason for denial is not meeting your state's expungement requirements. These requirements will vary, so be sure you understand your state's expungement requirements.
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*If you are looking to clear a juvenile record the process may be easier. In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed after a person reaches a certain age.<ref>https://ift.tt/2ojMH3R> The requirements unique to juvenile offenders will vary by state. Consult an attorney or other professional to find out if you will qualify.
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*If you are looking to clear a juvenile record the process may be easier. In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed after a person reaches a certain age.<ref>https://ift.tt/2ojMH3R> The requirements unique to juvenile offenders will vary by state. Consult an attorney or other professional to find out if you will qualify.
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*The trick to getting awarded an expungement is having a clean background. In other words, be a first time offender, not a repeat offender. Everybody makes mistakes and judges understand that. That's why this program exists. It gives good people a second chance.
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*The trick to getting awarded an expungement is having a clean background. In other words, be a first time offender, not a repeat offender. Everybody makes mistakes and judges understand that. That's why this program exists. It gives good people a second chance.
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*Another trick to getting your record expunged is to enroll in Pretrial Intervention(P.T.I.). Not everyone qualifies for this. Your charge can not be violent, and your prosecutor must recommend your case to the local P.T.I. branch serving your area. You should consult your
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*Another trick to getting your record expunged is to enroll in Pretrial Intervention(P.T.I.). Not everyone qualifies for this. Your charge can not be violent, and your prosecutor must recommend your case to the local P.T.I. branch serving your area. You should consult your attorney to discuss the pros and cons of this option. It is a program for first-time offenders. P.T.I. includes drug rehabilitation (if applicable), counseling, and random drug tests. You must also complete community service and pay any fines and restitution. If the course is successfully completed, the court will expunge your record.
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== Related wikiHows ==
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== Related wikiHows ==
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