Why Hire a Lawyer to Expunge Your Criminal Charges In Georgia
If you have a criminal record from years ago, you may be interested in finding out if it’s possible to have it restricted. An expungement lawyer can help you make the case that the record should no longer be accessible. This way, the crime can be wiped off your record, and you can move on with your life without the stigma of a criminal record.
Expungement in Georgia
The law no longer refers to wiping out or concealing criminal records as expungement in Georgia. Rather, they refer to the process as record restriction. When taking this route, you will attempt to restrict your Georgia criminal record, making your criminal charges unseen. Expungement doesn’t absolve the charges or make you innocent; it simply hides them so they don’t appear during background checks.
To properly restrict your record, you must adhere to a specific process and enlist the help of an experienced criminal lawyer. To get the record hidden, various steps must be taken and fees paid. It may also require time to complete the process. Before you pursue this option, you should become well-versed in the laws surrounding expungement in Georgia so that you can determine whether or not to proceed with a petition to the court.
Regulations for Restricting Your Record of Criminal Charges
To clear a criminal record, one must be aware of the regulations associated with restricting the record of charges. Understand the requirements and conditions that must be met to erase an offense from an individual’s history successfully. Such criteria can vary from state to state but typically involve the passage of time, payment of fines, and completion of certain requirements. Here are three things you should know:
Not All Charges Qualify
When a person requests to have their criminal record restricted, the court will examine the charges on the record. If the charges are serious, such as sexual assault, battery, or child molestation, the court will not approve the restriction request. Other charges that are too serious to qualify for restriction may also be included. If the charges are not serious enough, the court will continue evaluating the petition.
You Will Have to Wait
The court has certain laws that require a certain amount of time to pass before certain actions can be taken. Did the events occur recently or some time ago? Was there an adequate time that passed before the record restriction request was made? Depending on the type of charges, the amount of time that must pass may differ. A lawyer can provide guidance and explain how this process works.
You Must Be in Good Standing
If you currently face charges or have a criminal record, the court will consider this when assessing your request to restrict your records. You mustn’t be currently involved in any criminal activity when applying for a record restriction.
How an Expungement Lawyer Can Help
To start the process of restricting your record, you should look for a lawyer with experience in this field. Share your story with them, and they will assess if you qualify to have your record restricted. If you do, the lawyer will help you prepare the necessary paperwork to begin the case.
It’s within your power to manage your record restriction process on your own, but if you want the best chance of success, it’s wise to employ the services of an experienced expungement attorney.
Conclusion
Hiring a lawyer to restrict the record of your criminal charges in Georgia is a wise decision. An experienced lawyer will be able to review your case and provide you with the best legal advice, which can help to reduce the possibility of further charges and improve your chances of having your criminal record restricted.
Furthermore, they will be able to navigate the complex legal system and ensure that all of your rights are protected throughout the process. They can also provide valuable insight and advice on how to move forward with the process of restricting your record and ensure that the process is successful.
Speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney if you want to restrict the record of your criminal charges in Georgia. At Hanks, Ballard and Barth, our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Monroe, Georgia, can help you through the process, protect your rights and ensure success in restricting your criminal record. Give us a call at (770) 267-8988 to get legal representation.
