The Benefits of Record Sealing and Expungement Part 1

Spotty legal records can make life more burdensome than it needs to be. When you have prior criminal convictions, it can be difficult to take part in things we often take for granted — like holding a job or renting a place to live. Depending on the nature of your criminal record, a federal criminal defense attorney in Tampa from The Rickman Law Firm may be able to help you seal or expunge the record of your arrest.

When a record is sealed, it is made confidential and inaccessible to the public. The only parties with access to this record are you, your attorney, and various government entities. On the other hand, expungement results in the complete destruction of the record and can only be reproduced under a court order. As we will discuss in this two-part series, striking this information from your public record has many benefits. In fact, one of the immediate benefits of record sealing and expungement is that, in most circumstances, you can legally obfuscate the fact that you’ve been arrested in the past.

Warning: Not All Crimes Can Be Erased

Although record sealing and expungement are powerful tools for helping you avoid the common pitfalls associated with a criminal record, it’s by no means a panacea for a history of past crimes. To find out if your particular situation qualifies for record sealing or expungement, consult a federal criminal defense lawyer in Tampa. The following crimes cannot be expunged:

  • Abuse of an elderly or disabled person
  • Acts or attempted acts of terrorism
  • Aggravated assault and battery
  • Aircraft piracy
  • Arson
  • Burglary of a dwelling
  • Carjacking
  • Child abuse
  • Communications fraud
  • Computer pornography
  • Domestic violence
  • Homicide and manslaughter
  • Human trafficking of minors or adults
  • Illegal use of explosive devices
  • Kidnapping
  • Lewd and lascivious behavior in the presence of or directed at minors, the elderly, or the disabled
  • Luring or enticing a child
  • Offenses by public officers and employees
  • Prostitution involving a person under 18
  • Robbery
  • Sexual battery
  • Sexual interaction with a minor
  • Stalking

If you are interested in record sealing or expungement but aren’t sure if you qualify, your best option is to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can get the job done and help you experience all of the benefits of a clean record.

Expand Your Job Search

Even if you’re extremely qualified for a job, your criminal record can limit your success in actually landing the position. When you do find a job that is willing to overlook your prior convictions, it might not be up to your standards or propose a wage that can’t sustain your lifestyle. Expungement can help eliminate the burden of employers telling you “no” by barring them from accessing information related to your past convictions. This allows you to nail that interview, submit a background check without concern, and take on your new job with confidence.

To learn more about the benefits of record sealing and expungement, read part two.

For a free consultation with a federal criminal defense 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.

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