Getting Your Records Expunged: What You Should Know

October 2, 2019
young man in handcuffs

Having a criminal record can make it difficult to do things in life, especially when it comes to applying for a job. If you have a criminal record, it is possible to have certain things hidden from public access to make life easier for you. This process, known as expungement, requires a few steps to request the court to take this action. This means that the crime can be treated as if it never happened and doesn’t have to be disclosed to the likes of landlords or most employers. A Virginia criminal defense attorney can help you take advantage of this allowance. A criminal defense lawyer Fairfax VA will also let you know if the crimes on your record qualify for this benefit. At Rudolphi Law we understand how important it is to have a record that is as clean as possible and want to help you.

How To Get A Record Expunged
If you are interested in getting a crime expunged from your record, the best first step is to hire a Virginia criminal defense attorney. An attorney will determine if your crime is eligible for expungement. Generally, to be eligible, you must:

•have been acquitted
•have had the prosecution move for nolle prosequi (“not prosecute” or drop) the charge

•have had the case “otherwise dismissed”

If you meet the criteria to have your record expunged, a criminal defense lawyer Fairfax VA will file a petition on your behalf with the court. You will also be directed to have your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency. Once a court receives all of this information, it will hold a hearing to decide if the crime on your record should be expunged.

If you would like to learn more about record expungement and how our attorneys can help you, contact Rudolphi Law for a consultation. Our professionals will help you get started with this process.