Expungement is a legal process of sealing a criminal record, making it inaccessible to the public. An arrest or conviction can affect you for the rest of your life, even after serving your time, paying fines, and completing probation. In some cases, however, a criminal defense attorney could help you clear your record. Under Tennessee law, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged of the offense, and an experienced Knoxville expungement lawyer at Price Benowitz could help.
Expungement in Tennessee is the legal process of erasing or removing a criminal record from public view. When a record is expunged, it is as if there is no record at all. This allows people to move forward without the burden of a criminal past.
Prospective employers, school admissions officers, property managers, and loan officers typically run a background check when considering applicants. If they see a criminal record, they may not be objective in deciding whether to offer you credit, tenancy, a job, or admission. Further, there is a stigma attached to having a criminal record that you may want to shed. A Knoxville attorney may be able to help you expunge your criminal record.
The nature of the crime and your overall record determine if you are eligible for expungement. People who were arrested but not convicted—such as when cases are dismissed, retired, or result in a “not guilty” verdict—are eligible for immediate expungement.
Certain convictions may also qualify for expungement, including most non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies, provided specific criteria are met. These criteria often include completing all sentence requirements (such as probation and payment of fines), a waiting period of five or ten years, depending on the degree of charge, and no subsequent criminal convictions.
Violent offenses, sex crimes, and certain drug crimes generally cannot be expunged. Repeat offenders may also be barred from expungement. Determining eligibility can be complex, so consulting with a qualified expungement lawyer in Knoxville is often essential to understanding your rights and options.
A Knoxville attorney can help you navigate the following steps to clear your criminal record:
If your petition is approved, your record of the specific offense gets expunged. The court will notify state agencies of the expungement.
A well-practiced lawyer could guide you through the complex legal process of expunging your criminal record in Knoxville. They could assess your eligibility, gather all of the required documentation, and prepare and file a strong petition. Your attorney could also represent you at the expungement hearing, respond to objections, and advocate for you at every step.
With their extensive knowledge of expungement laws and local court procedures, your lawyer makes the process more efficient and, often, quicker. Mistakes cause delays or can even lead a judge not to expunge your record. Ultimately, Price Benowitz aims to restore your reputation, opening opportunities for you in the future.
You have rights, and expungement laws exist because the State of Tennessee recognizes the limitations of living with a criminal record. A Knoxville expungement lawyer could assess your case and advise you of your options.
Contact Price Benowitz today to schedule your free case evaluation and find out if your record can be cleared.
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