Expungement of a Criminal Record in Virginia

Are you looking for information about expungement of a criminal record in Virginia? It's no secret that an arrest can cause a number of roadblocks when all you want to do is lead a productive, meaningful life. Everything from getting a job to traveling can be much more difficult when you have an arrest that will come up any time someone does a background check on you. Luckily, if you have not been convicted, you have options that are readily available to you. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of a criminal record, what having one can prevent you from doing, and how you can take the first steps toward getting that record expunged so that you can go on to be a contributing member of a society.

The Stain of a Criminal Conviction

Whether you are charged with assault, shoplifting, a DUI, a sex crime, or anything else, that charge is something that can follow you around for the rest of your life. The criminal history portion of an employment background check will show felonies and misdemeanors, and stretches back several years, so a mistake that you made well in the past can still haunt you even after you've paid your dues to society. More than anything, this can keep you from finding the kind of work suitable for supporting yourself and being a productive member of society. Regardless of skills or prior experience that you might have, your past arrests can keep you from financial stability and add undeserved stress to your life. Unfortunately, with the way the system is set up, making it so that you can prove you've changed requires taking action on your part.

So What Can You Do?

One route you can follow is seeking an expungement of your record. It's important to note, however, that this option is only available to a person who has been arrested and later acquitted or has had his or her case dismissed. Likewise, if you are a victim of identity theft and the thief was convicted of a crime while using your name, you can seek expungement.  In the case of convictions, only a pardon can lead to a record being expunged. Getting the expungement of a criminal record in Virginia requires filing a petition with the court where your case took place and having a hearing for a judge to determine whether or not your case should be expunged. Going through the process of getting an expungement of a criminal record in Virginia can seem like a daunting task, but working with an attorney can help you understand the process and your chances of successfully reclaiming your life. Living your life the way you want can be extremely difficult when you have a past arrest hanging over your head. Get in touch with a lawyer who can help you begin the process of expunging your record so that you can have a clean slate for the future.