how to find a great expungement attorney

How to choose a good expungement attorney online:

• Check the state bar records for a valid license and a discipline report.
• Make sure the street address on the bar records matches the billing address.
• Have the protection of paying with a credit card.
• Make sure the attorney has a street address.
• Ask if the attorney has malpractice insurance.

Full Answer

How can an expungement lawyer help me?

A good expungement lawyer can help you understand your options and your rights under the law. If you have any specific questions about the expungement laws in your area or state, your attorney can provide you with legal research for your inquiry.

Can I expunge my criminal record after being acquitted?

The accused person was acquitted at trial. An attorney experienced in this area of law can tell you if you meet the state eligibility requirements to file a petition to expunge your criminal record. How Much Does An Expungement Cost?

How much does it cost to get my record expunged?

There is no standard cost for an expungement, because filing fees vary by both state and county, there may be other costs (such as certified mail) required, and attorneys charge different rates for their services.

What is the difference between expungement and record sealing?

However, expungement is different from record sealing in a few important ways. When a criminal record is expunged, it is treated as if the charges never exist, and they are no longer associated at all with that person's criminal history. It generally means that the charges have "disappeared" from the court system.

How much does it cost to have your record expunged if you use an attorney in NJ?

Filing Fees: The New Jersey Superior Courts currently charge $75 to file for an expungement. Lawyer's Fees: Every expungement case is different. Some cases may only take a few hours of work, while others might require multiple court appearances.

How can I get my record expunged for free in North Carolina?

Legal Aid of North Carolina's Criminal Record Expungement clinics are free and open to the public. There are no eligibility restrictions.

How can I clear my criminal record in USA?

In the United States, certain types of criminal records can be expunged or sealed by a judge or court. An expungement removes arrests and/or convictions from a person's criminal record entirely as if they never happened. Even a court or prosecutor cannot view a person's expunged record.

How do you get your record expunged in Texas?

There are different ways to become eligible for expungement in Texas, but they usually require you to have your case dismissed or to be acquitted (found “Not Guilty”) by a jury. Expunctions can be granted soon after a case ends or even months or years later.

What felonies Cannot be expunged in NC?

Additionally, violent felonies, violent misdemeanors, and certain drug crimes are not eligible for expungement at all. If the arrest resulted in a dismissal or not guilty verdict, you are allowed unlimited expungements. If you have also committed a felony, however, you are not allowed any expungements.

How much does it cost to get your record expunged in North Carolina?

$175.00The cost to file this expunction is $175.00, which must be paid to the clerk of court at the time of filing.

Does criminal record clear after 10 years?

Since 2006, the police retain details of all recordable offences until you reach 100 years of age. Your conviction will always show on your police records but the conviction may not show on your criminal record check that is used for employment vetting purposes.

Can I clear my criminal record after 5 years?

You may apply for expungement if: - The offence was committed when you were under 18 years of age. - Five years have lapsed after the date of conviction in the case of a Schedule 1 offence.

Can I file for expungement without a lawyer in Texas?

Most people can file and successfully process their own Texas expungement forms without the assistance of a lawyer. All you need is the proper forms and easy step-by-step instructions to complete your Texas expungement.

How long does an expungement take in Texas?

In most instances, it takes about 30 days to schedule a hearing date after the petition for expunction is filed. The entire process usually takes from four to six weeks. If the court grants an expungement, it usually takes up to 180 days for local, state, and federal agencies to destroy their records.

Who qualifies for expungement in Texas?

You must have been arrested, you must not have been convicted or served probation, and the charge that you want to be expunged must have been a misdemeanor or a felony. If you meet these three requirements, expunction is an option you should absolutely consider before proceeding with your criminal case.

How to get a conviction expunged?

While each state may differ when it comes to the qualifications and requirements for expungement, eligibility for expungement will typically involve the following: 1 Application for expungement in writing with the court where the conviction happened; 2 The original sentence must be completed served and finished; and/or 3 The applicant is not facing any new or additional criminal charges.

What is expungement in criminal justice?

What is Expungement? Expungement is a process by which a person's criminal records are treated as if they no longer exist. Each state has different options and limits regarding expungement, but all states permit some form of expungement or record sealing for juvenile offenses.

What are the most likely crimes to be expunged?

Usually, less serious felonies like non-violent crimes (such as possession of drugs) are more likely to be eligible for expungement.

What is the burden of expunging a sentence?

The burden is generally on the person applying for expungement to show that their probation or other requirements have been completed.

What does it mean when a criminal record is expunged?

When a criminal record is expunged, it is treated as if the charges never exist, and they are no longer associated at all with that person's criminal history. It generally means that the charges have "disappeared" from the court system.

What does it mean when a record is sealed?

On the other hand, record sealing means that the charges do still exist; however, the records cannot be accessed as the records are closed to the general public. This means that persons or parties such as employers cannot gain access to those records, even though they still technically exist in the system.

Can felonies be expunged?

Lastly, federal convictions for felonies generally cannot be expunged.

1. Experience

While it may seem like expungement is a relatively simple area of law, this is not the case. Expungement law in New Jersey is actually a highly technical and complex area of law. Moreover, because expungement laws change frequently you will want to ensure that your expungement lawyer’s knowledge base is up to date.

2. Responsiveness

You should also ask prospective lawyers how you will be able to contact them and how long it typically takes them to return client communications. You should not assume that just because a lawyer seems friendly during the initial consultation that you can overlook this step.

3. Affordability

For most people, their ability to afford a particular lawyer’s services plays a key role. In this regard, you will want to make sure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services. Most NJ expungement lawyers will handle your matter on a flat-fee basis.

4. Location

If you are trying to expunge a New Jersey offense why would you hire a law firm located outside of New Jersey to represent you? Recently, the expungement lawyers at Katherine O’Brien Law have noticed that some larger, “national” law firms located outside of New Jersey have been targeting New Jersey expungement clients.

5. Personality

Finally, in order to ensure that you have found the best NJ expungement lawyer, you should pay attention to the personal chemistry between you and the prospective lawyers.

Katherine O'Brien

New Jersey expungement lawyer Katherine North O’Brien has been practicing expungement law for her entire career and has handled hundreds of complex criminal record expungements. She has also assisted in the drafting of briefs on expungement issues before the New Jersey Supreme Court.

What is expungement attorney?

Expungement attorneys are trained in expungement law and know that getting your record expunged is important and can have a lifelong affect on you. An expungement attorney will make sure the job is done right and, what may be your only chance, is not blown.

Why do you need an attorney?

A lawyer will make sure it gets done right the first time so you avoid months of delay or becoming ineligible. An attorney is the only one who can handle everything for you. An attorney is trained in the law and will make sure you are making the best possible decision.

Can an attorney go to court?

An attorney is the only one who can go to court for you. Attorneys have spent tens of thousand of dollars and 7 years of higher education to be able to practice law, they are not going to risk their ability to practice law by committing malpractice or stealing your money.

Do record clearing attorneys give money back?

Most attorneys who specialize in record clearing will give a money back guarantee for most services. Ask for a quote. Attorneys who specialize in record clearing should know the cost of the case. Make sure there are no hidden fees. Ask how many cases like yours have they handled and how many were successful.