You may find that just one conviction or arrest on your record can have a negative impact on multiple areas of your life. You may have to undergo a background check for everything from a housing application to finding a new job, and your criminal record could keep you from moving forward. In some cases, there may be a way to cleanse your record, allowing you to be free from the implications of a previous criminal conviction or arrest. This is through the expungement process.
Expungement is an option, in certain situations, that provides a way for individuals to move forward with their lives. It is a court-ordered process that essentially forgets a specific arrest or conviction from a person’s criminal record. If you are eligible for an expungement, that means that you have the freedom to live your life in Kentucky without the hardship of a mark on your criminal record limiting your options.
How expungement works
Expungement essentially seals a record or erases a specific incident from the record, which means that, in most situations, you do not have a legal requirement to disclose that specific incident. One of the only exceptions to this may be in the event you are under oath in court. Expungement makes it more likely that you will pass a background check when applying for school, seeking new housing, applying for a job and more. The landlord, potential employer or other party would not have access to an expunged arrest or conviction.
It may be helpful to first learn about the eligibility requirements for expungement. There are different factors that may affect whether or not you are eligible for this, including the location of the crime and the details of the incident. Your age, the outcome of the criminal case and the type of offense may also be important considerations for your expungement efforts.
Seeking the best future opportunities
It is possible to move forward after a conviction or arrest. Expungement may provide you the opportunity to reclaim your future opportunities, regain certain types of privileges, apply for loans and take other important steps after a criminal incident. If you are unsure of whether you could qualify for this, you may find it useful to seek the insight of a knowledgeable professional who can guide you through the process of expungement.
