Everyone makes mistakes in their life, including some that can lead to being arrested for a crime. However, in some cases, your arrest record doesn’t have to follow you around for the rest of your life. You can hire an attorney to see if you qualify to have your arrest record expunged.
How to Get Your Record Expunged
In some cases, you can have an arrest record expunged, so the consequences of your mistakes do not prevent you from getting a job for which you’re qualified or having other effects on your life. A criminal defense lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you determine if your arrest record can be sealed or expunged to help protect you.
There are four different types of expungements for which you may qualify:
- Inaccurate Record – An inaccurate arrest record may show you have been arrested even though you never have been. An expungement is done by making a correction to the record.
- Mistaken Arrest – Being mistakenly arrested because of having a name similar to that someone wanted for a crime, or due to some other mistake. This is done through administrative expungements.
- Juvenile Arrest Record – If you committed a crime when you were under the age of 18 and completed a diversion program, then the record may be expunged.
- Criminal Record Removal – An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you with this.
Expunging a Record
Although you may have been arrested for a crime, your record can be expunged if the case was:
- Dismissed
- Dropped
- No-billed, which means the charges were not filed or there is no information on the case
If you were convicted, but not adjudicated, then your record may be expunged. To find out if your record qualifies to be sealed, contact a criminal defense lawyer to examine your case and help expunge your arrest record.
