Erasing Your Criminal Record with Expungement Lawyers

It can be difficult to move on with your life after you’ve committed a crime. Starting over, finding a job, and qualifying for leases and loans are all equally difficult. Expungement offers a way out.

Expungement is the legal term for sealing a criminal record. Depending on where you live, you’re eligible for expungement after a certain time period has passed following your conviction. If you haven’t been arrested in the meantime, you can get your criminal record sealed. Expungement lawyers in Fort Worth can help you do this.

Here’s a look at the steps you need to take to turn your life around through expungement.

Gather Information and Fill out Forms

Your lawyer will help you gather the vital information you need to fill out the many legal forms required for criminal record expungement. Among other things, you’ll need the warrant for your arrest, the date of your arrest, information on your offense, and your indictment.

You and your lawyer will fill out six forms: a request for police records, a petition for expungement, an order for hearing, an expungment order, a cover letter, and proof of notice.

Arrange For a Hearing

A hearing presided by a judge will go over your case for expungement. You may not be required to attend, but you’ll give a better impression if you show up early and well-dressed. A law enforcement officer may come to testify against your expungement if there is any resistance. Your lawyer will be able to help you here.

Mail in Expungment Order and Wait

If the hearing is decided in your favor, you’ll receive a copy of the expungement order signed by the judge and stamped by the court. Make copies of the form and mail it into relevant government agencies. Your lawyer will help you know where to mail them in.

After that, it could take up to six months for your expungement to go through. Be patient.

Hiring an Expungement Lawyer

To locate quality expungement lawyers in Fort Worth, call your local bar association. They should give you listings of local expungement lawyers. Talk with prospective lawyers and ask about services and pricing before hiring anyone.

If you follow these steps and have a quality lawyer by your side, you’ll be able to attain your expungement with limited stress.