How to Remove Criminal Convictions
- 1). Research the law of your state concerning expungement of criminal convictions (see Resources). State procedures and restrictions differ, and some states do not allow expungement at all.
- 2). Determine if your conviction can be expunged. Eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the offense, its severity, the length of time that has passed, any other offenses that you may have committed and other factors. Many states will not expunge a conviction for a felony or a sexual offense, for example.
- 3). Obtain a copy of your criminal record. Although the procedure varies by state, your state's attorney general's office should be able to direct you to the appropriate authority. You will need the information from your criminal record to complete the expungement petition.
- 4). Download a standardized expungement petition from the website of the court that convicted you or the state office that handles expungements, as appropriate. Some states require you to draft your own order of expungement for the judge to sign.
- 5). Fill out the standardized expungement petition or draft the order. You may have to explain why you desire an expungement and explain the facts and circumstances surrounding your conviction. You may also have to attach additional documentation, such as a copy of your criminal record.
- 6). File your expungement petition or order of expungement with the county clerk of the court that convicted you. Most states impose a filing fee.
- 7). Attend the expungement hearing, if your state requires a hearing, after the court notifies you of the date and time. The judge may question you about your case.
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