Expungement is a process that erases past criminal convictions from the court system. Details vary by state, but there are several types of crimes that can be expunged, including shoplifting, disorderly conduct, drug possession, etc. Violent felonies and other serious crimes are usually not eligible for expungement.

There are many benefits to seeking an expungement of past criminal behavior. Expungement can be used as a catalyst for change in someone's life.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the process where the court erases all records of a prior conviction. This means that if there's a court record of a crime that you've committed and that crime is on the list of crimes that are allowed to be expunged, you can possibly have it erased from your record. This is great news for people who have made mistakes in the past and want to move forward with their lives.

Why Is Expungement Helpful?

Expungement is helpful for several different reasons.

• It erases all evidence of your conviction from the court's record. This makes it much easier to qualify for all types of jobs. Many jobs require applicants to pass background checks. If there's a conviction on your record, you won't be considered. With the conviction removed, you'd be in the running for everything from great jobs to
• It saves you from the embarrassment that comes from having to explain difficult things that you engaged in in your past. The expungement allows all of that behavior to exist as if it never happened. This is a great situation for someone who has made amazing changes in their lives for the better.
• Criminal records usually pop up first when someone is doing a search for someone's name. It's often followed by that same info being repeated by other private sites that report the same type of background information. This overload of negative information often gives the impression that it's a lifestyle that you're still involved in. This is especially bad for people who are doing everything they can do to make changes for the better.

How Can You Use Expungement as a Catalyst for Life Change?

An expungement is literally a chance for you to start over with a clean slate. It goes further than being pardoned for past criminal behavior. A pardon forgives but doesn't forget. An expungement forgives and forgets.

Following are some ways you can use the expungement as a catalyst for change in your life.

• You can get therapy. Bad decision-making often comes from faulty conditioning from your past. Working with a therapist can help you understand why you made bad choices so that you don't make them again.
• You can make amends with the people or organizations that you hurt if your legal counsel agrees. This can show people that you are serious about making a fresh new start.
• You can use the gift of a clean record to go to school to better your education since it can be very difficult to qualify for student loans with a criminal record.

Speak to an Attorney About How an Expungement May Help Change Your Life

An expungement is a serious process that involves applications and potentially going before a judge. You may have a lot of questions about how an expungement may help you going forward.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team have years of experience helping people with questions about expungement, helping them see the benefits that can help them move their lives forward in a positive way.

Reach out to the Lento Law Firm for help at 888-535-3686 today to schedule an evaluation of your case. Your future may depend on it.