Living with a criminal record can create a number of different obstacles. Making a mistake when you were young could cost you the chance to follow your dreams and live the life you want. Fortunately, there may be a way for you to fix this.
Expungement is the court-ordered process of having an arrest or criminal conviction sealed. This means that in the eyes of the law, your criminal record no longer exists. Naturally, the process of having your mistake sealed may open new opportunities for you and benefit you in ways that you were previously unaware.
Job opportunities
Having a criminal record can make finding a job much more difficult. Specifically, it may make finding employment in a field that you dream of working in extremely challenging. Employers often ask if you have a criminal record, which could eliminate you from consideration for the opportunity immediately.
Expunging your criminal record will prohibit most employers from accessing this information when they run a background check. There are exceptions, however, such as positions working in law enforcement or for the federal government. This may open opportunities that you previously believed were no longer available to you.
Housing selection
Apartment hunting can be a pain. If you have a criminal record, it may seem next to impossible. Similar to applying for a job, landlords typically run background checks on perspective tenants. This could be an immediate reason to deny your application for housing. As a result, you may not have the choice of living where you want.
This is where expunging your criminal record comes in. An expunged record can allow you to apply for housing without having to worry about your past mistakes haunting you. You can live where you want and stop paying for fees on denied rental applications.
Peace of mind
Living with a criminal record can take a toll on you. It may make life more difficult on daily basis or damage your personal relationships. Having your record expunged can help you take some of that power back. You get the opportunity to start over again with a clean slate. It will help you put the mistake you made in the past and allow you to move forward with your life. There simply is no replacement for peace of mind.
Expunging your criminal record can dramatically change your life. If you believe you are a candidate for expungement, make sure to contact an experienced professional to help you with your case.