The Practical Effect of Expungement
Expungement is the sealing of records so they are unavailable except to the petitioner and criminal justice agencies as listed in Kansas statutes. An expungement can apply to arrests, charges and convictions and any court proceedings. In order to obtain an expungement, a petition and order must be filed with the court where the conviction occurred indicating certain information including identification of the defendant, the court, the law enforcement agency involved. You must not have been convicted of or the subject of a case for a certain number of years, depending on the nature of the record you are seeking to expunge.
An arrest, charge or criminal conviction on your record can negatively impact your life and professional career. However, if certain criteria are met, an expungement can clear your criminal record so past mistakes do not interfere with your future. An expungement also prevents you from having to face the embarrassment of a negative background check by prospective employer, lenders, and others.
When you need to have your criminal record expunged, contact the Kerns Law Office for a free consultation with qualified and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney John Kerns. We can help you put your past behind you for good.
Benefits of Expungement
Expungement is a general term used to describe the removal of information from a criminal record. This is accomplished through the deletion or sealing of information. The benefits of an expungement may include:
- Providing closure
- Allowing an individual to legally answer no to a potential employer or other background checker when asked if he/she has been convicted of an offense
- Allowing an individual to become eligible for a broader range of training certificates and professional licenses
- Allowing an individual to become eligible for student loans
- Allowing a person to become eligible for housing assistance
Who Qualifies for Expungement?
In Kansas, those who qualify for expungement may include:
- Individuals who have been arrest, charged or convicted of certain crimes
- People who have met the conditions of their probation
- Those who have been released from jail/prison
When you want to put your past behind you for good, contact us today for a free initial consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney at the Kerns Law Office. An expungement can result in better employment, a clearer path to a professional license, and peace of mind.
For a free initial consultation with the Kerns Law Office, call (785) 371-4159 or send us an e-mail.
