This next topic is a local favorite.  Every time I mentioned this one on the radio people came out of the woodwork to find out more.  Now that you are on the edge of your seat I suppose I should tell you what it is.

Expungement is the process by which a lesser crime is removed from your record permanently.  There are several things you should know about the process though before you go running to the courthouse to fill out the paperwork.  First, as I already mentioned, it applies only to lesser crimes.  Serious felonies do not qualify, meaning that you are stuck with those for the rest of your life.  Second, you cannot expunge a crime for which you have been convicted or accepted a plea.  Third, you must realize that although the crime is officially removed from your record, it can still be seen by governmental authorities such as the FBI, police departments, etc.  Lastly, and just as important, you can only expunge one crime.

If you are interested in the process, you can handle it on your own by filling out the paperwork. Or, you can hire an attorney to handle it for you relatively inexpensively.  It’s a great tool for wiping away that momentary lapse of reason from which you suffered in your teens.

I’m attorney Jeff Vastola, and now you Know Your Rights.