How to Get a Felony Criminal Record Expunged
- 1). Seek an experienced attorney specializing in felony expungement to help you navigate your state's process. Choosing a lawyer not experienced in this area may cost you a chance to clear your record.
- 2). Educate yourself on your state's definitions and requirements. Some states use "expunge" to mean destroying the record and "sealing" to mean hiding the record from the public. Some states use these terms interchangeably; other states use terms such as "expunction" or "removal." Know exactly what you are asking for.
- 3). Meet your state's requirements for expungement before applying so you don't waste your time. First find out the waiting period between conviction and requesting to expunge. Do not apply if you have a current criminal incident or investigation, or if you are still on probation. Find out how many priors you can have before expungement is no longer an option. The courts really want to see proof that you are rehabilitated.
- 4). Get the proper paperwork from your attorney. Work with her to fill it out correctly. Some states also require consent from the prosecutor's office. Your lawyer can work to obtain this for you.
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