Having a criminal record is a daunting prospect. Your information is available to the public, which can negatively impact various aspects of your life, such as finding employment. However, not all is lost, as you can go about sealing your records to help you avoid having to deal with the social stigma.
How do you seal your records?
If you’d like to protect your personal information, there are two main ways you can seal your criminal record – in court or by mail. You can request to seal your records via mail after a determined waiting period. That period is up to three years if your criminal record is for a misdemeanor conviction or up to ten years for a felony. This can vary by state, and you should check which terms apply to you.
On the other hand, if your case was dismissed or ended with a not guilty verdict, you may have your records sealed in court without a waiting period or by mail after a waiting period.
You should note that certain criminal records can’t be sealed or expunged, so contact a lawyer to discuss your particular case.
Why you should consider sealing your records
There are various benefits to sealing your records, some of which you might’ve not considered before:
- Improve your chances of getting suitable housing – Many property owners will perform background checks to measure your suitability. Your criminal record will come up in these checks, and even if you have the funds to cover your rent and you’re a suitable candidate, a property owner might decline you due to social stigma.
- Improve your chances of employment: As mentioned above, there’s a lot of social stigma surrounding criminal records. Even if it was something minor or just a fine, getting your records sealed will improve your chances of competing with other candidates for jobs.
- Improve loan prospects: Some lenders will look at you unfavorably if you’ve got a criminal record. This is because they might think there’s a higher chance of you defaulting on your loan. As a result, it’s best to seal your records and avoid the issue altogether.
Should you hire an attorney?
This is usually a good idea since an experienced professional will know the processes and procedures to place you in the best position for approval. They will also know how to handle more complicated cases and manage your expectations when you first think of sealing your records.
How much does it cost to seal your records?
The cost of sealing your records will depend on your particular case and location. Generally, you should expect to pay anywhere between $700 and $2,500 if you employ the help of an attorney.
Can you expunge your records?
Depending on your record, you could take a further step and have your records expunged. This is different from the sealing process, as expunging will completely remove your criminal record. This process is much more complex and more prolonged than sealing, but you could discuss your options with an experienced attorney to see if it’s a possible option for you.
Want to see what your options are for sealing your record? Contact our team of experts at ZT Law today!