Making mistakes is one of life’s inevitable realities, but sometimes, the mistakes we make can have consequences that affect our futures forever. Specifically, if we make mistakes that result in a criminal conviction and a criminal record, that can affect our quality of life indefinitely. It could mean lower access to quality jobs, not getting bank loans, not being approved for the home of our dreams. It’s something no one should have to deal with.
Fortunately, in some cases, there are ways to erase your criminal record and seal it completely from state and/or federal records. This process is known as expungement. While you can try to understand expungement yourself, it’s always a better idea to seek professional legal counsel if you can. When you do, you’ll reap a host of rewards you simply wouldn’t by navigating the process alone. Below are the top three benefits of hiring an expungement attorney that you should consider.
1. Assistance in Determining Your Eligibility
The first step in proceeding with an expungement is to determine if you are eligible for one. This will depend on the type of conviction on your criminal record, the state you live in, as well as other factors. For example, certain types of crimes are generally eligible for expungement, including drug charges, records for summary offenses, and juvenile criminal offenses. Again, though, expungement laws vary state-to-state. While assessing your eligibility can be tough, it’s made simpler with the help of an experienced expungement lawyer.
2. Accelerate the Process
Expungement attorneys specialize in interpreting laws and advocating for their clients. They also have extensive experience navigating the complexities of the legal sphere and overcoming challenges related to this. As a result, they are uniquely prepared to handle your case with a high degree of professionalism and efficiency – a degree that you simply can’t match if you’re not a legal expert. They know what precedents there are to your case, what paperwork needs to be filed, and much more. This knowledge can make the process much faster.
3. Relieves a Great Deal of Pressure
As someone with a criminal record, you’ve carried the weight of that burden with you for years. You’ve probably had to deal with your fair share of discrimination and judgement. You’ve likely had sleepless nights where you worried for your future, which have taken a significant toll on your mental health. The last thing you need to do is put more pressure on yourself. When you hand your case over to an expungement attorney, you shift the responsibility to them. As a result, you’ll experience lower levels of stress and increased peace of mind.
One mistake shouldn’t hinder you from achieving your best quality of life. It shouldn’t keep you from reaching your full potential. With the help of an expungement attorney, you can ensure it doesn’t. When you recruit one of these experts to assist in erasing your criminal record, you’ll take the first step in reclaiming control over your future.
