A misdemeanor is a criminal charge that may appear on your record. While these crimes are not as serious as felonies, they can still affect your job opportunities. They are usually classified as low level offenses, and can be punished by probation, fines, or community service.
If you have a misdemeanor on your record, you may wonder if you can get it expunged. However, before you decide to do so, it’s important to know the laws in your state. The best way to determine if you can erase a misdemeanor is to consult with an attorney. He or she can help you navigate the petitioning process and make a good case in court.
In California, you may have to wait a few years before you can expunge your misdemeanor. There are several ways to get your misdemeanor expunged, and it depends on the type of misdemeanor and other criminal activities you’ve been involved in. Some states, like Arkansas and Texas, are very lenient on expunging class C misdemeanors. Others, like New Jersey, require a five-year waiting period.
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to completely erase a misdemeanor, you can still seal it. An expungement is a legal process that allows you to have your criminal record sealed, so that it cannot be searched. You will be required to fill out a form and pay a small fee. Depending on the state you live in, your petition may be reviewed individually.
In addition to sealing, there is another method of erasing a misdemeanor. Known as expungement, this process destroys your record. Once you have your record expunged, you will be considered a clean slate. It’s important to be aware of the various options you have for getting your misdemeanor expunged, as it can be a costly mistake if you don’t.
Expungement is a good way to eliminate any potential negative impact that a criminal conviction has on your life. In some cases, it can lead to employment. But be warned: a felony conviction is much more difficult to expunge than a misdemeanor.
Another option to consider is seal-and-destroy. Like expungement, a record seal makes it invisible, but it doesn’t show up on a background check. Sealing your misdemeanor can help you land the job of your dreams. However, this can be difficult if you have a lot of pending charges.
Whether you choose to go the expungement route or seal-and-destroy method, you should be honest with your employer about your misdemeanor. Often, employers will run a background check on all potential employees. Using this information, they can use it to discriminate against you in employment, housing, and other areas. For instance, a misdemeanor can disqualify you from getting an apartment, a home, or even a job. Make sure to be truthful in your resume.
You should also consider hiring an attorney to represent you when deciding whether to expunge a misdemeanor. This is not only a smart move for your financial future, but an intelligent one. Your attorney can guide you through the petitioning process and give you updated information about your petition’s status.
