Can Sex Crimes Be Expunged from Your Record?
If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a sex crime, one of the first things you might be wondering is whether this is going to be on your permanent record. After all, having a sex crime on your criminal record can exclude you from the ability to purchase a home in certain areas, may limit your job prospects, and may even result in social isolation — and that’s not factoring in any jail time or fines you may have been punished with.
In this brief article, we spoke with a criminal attorney in Tampa from our team at The Rickman Law Firm to understand which crimes can be expunged from your record, and whether or not a sex crime will be on your record for life.
What Crimes Can Be Expunged or Sealed?
If you’ve been arrested for a sex crime, or any crime for that matter, the rest is a matter of public record. That means that prospective employers, home lenders, and rental unit owners might see sex crimes or other charges during a background check.
However, once the matter has been heard in court, if you’re found guilty there are only a few crimes that can be expunged or sealed.
In most felony cases, your record won’t be eligible to be expunged or sealed. Additionally, if you were convicted of a sex crime, you are disqualified from expungement. However, if you are a victim of human trafficking, you may actually have the opportunity to seal or expunge your record.
If you’re not convicted that doesn’t mean the arrest will disappear from your record. If the charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to have the charge expunged.
You’ll need help from the best criminal lawyer in Tampa to make sure that all of the charges are expunged from your record if you’re found not-guilty. This will ensure that you are protected from potential prejudices from society and are not limited in your future opportunities.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Wrongful Charges?
If you need help expunging your record of an arrest that did not lead to a conviction, or are hoping to find out your rights if you’re facing criminal charges for any sex crime, you’ll need an experienced criminal attorney in Tampa to help.
Contact The Rickman Law Firm to find an attorney who will help defend you against these charges and walk you through the process of expunging your record if you are found not guilty. Your attorney will help you understand the best possible defense if you are charged, but taking it a step further they will also advise you during the investigation to protect your rights. They will also discuss legal questions you may have and fight to prove your innocence.
For a free consultation with the best criminal lawyer in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.