Lara Bracamonte Davila

Doing What Is Right For You

Don’t let your past define you; expunge your criminal record

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2024 | Criminal Law

While your past likely contributes to the person you are today, you should not be defined by your past. This especially rings true with past criminal charges or arrests. These incidents should not define you; however, a criminal record that follows you forever can feel like the justice system wants to deem you a criminal the rest of your life.

Fortunately, this does not need to be your reality. You can seek a clean slate by expunging your criminal record. Additionally, if you have a juvenile record, you could have your record sealed. As such, it is important to understand if these options are viable for you and what steps are necessary to take to accomplish this.

Expungement of a criminal record

At Bracamonte Law, PLLC, our law firm understands the challenges a criminal record can pose an individual. Because a criminal record is public, a background check could impact your ability to get a job, secure a rental home or apartment and gain approval for a loan to purchase a home or vehicle. Our attorneys know that our clients are more than their criminal record, which is why we work diligently to help our clients wipe away any record of criminal activity through expungement.

While anyone with a criminal past could benefit from expungement, only certain criminal records qualify for expunction. This includes acquittals, guilty verdicts that were overturned by the court, criminal pardons, dismissed charges and arrests that resulted in no charges filed. As such, it is important to understand if you qualify for expungement, and if not, what options you might have regarding your criminal record.

Sealing a juvenile record

Because most adults do not resemble their teenager selves, your actions as a teenager should not impact your adult life. A juvenile record could negatively impact you as an adult. It could limit your access to education, which could prevent you from becoming a productive adult.

Whether your juvenile record involves charges of vandalism, disorderly conduct, underage drinking or DUI, property crimes or sexual offenses, sealing your juvenile record might be a possibility. And in some instances, you could even seal your adjudications.

Having a criminal record expunged or a juvenile record sealed could give you the clean slate you need in life to create a better future for you and your family. Thus, it is important to explore your legal rights and options. A legal professional can help you understand your situation and answer any questions you have.