Monday, November 7, 2011 9:26:22 AM
In regards to expungement it is also noteworthy that in some states if expungement is part of a plea deal or sentence that the state may no longer automatically process the expungement. Also if you committed an offense as a minor do not automatically assume your file was sealed when you turned 18. It is always good to check your records before you move, apply for a job, military enlistment or collage. Often these issue can be resolved with a little leg work and sometimes minimal processing fee's.
Monday, November 7, 2011 7:57:24 AM
@Gerry: Good morning :)
@panth753: An expungement is a process by which any and all records pertaining to an arrest or criminal matter are sealed and thus effectively removed from public view. A person whose records are expunged can effectively treat the event and criminal proceedings as though they never occurred. This is in contrast to a pardon, which constitutes forgiveness for a criminal activity, but does not remove the event from public record. Usually, an expungement is only granted for a first-time offender and then only when the criminal proceedings did not result in conviction. Actual requirements vary by jurisdiction, but usually there's a waiting period between indictment and expungement and the person must have satisfactorily completed all requirements of any resolution to the proceedings satisfactorily.