Being convicted of a felony can have lasting repercussions that impact your life from limited employment opportunities to altering your personal reputation. For many individuals with a felony, the prospect of having their charges expunged provides an opportunity to move on with a clean slate. It is important to understand whether or not you qualify for expungement. Speak with a Hartford County criminal defense attorney for more information and legal assistance.
What is Expungement in CT?
Expungement is generally a legal process of removing or sealing a criminal record. It can erase all records of an arrest and conviction or simply hide them from the public’s view. The true definition varies depending on the state you are in. In Connecticut, expungement means that the criminal record will be sealed or removed, depending on the specific situation. It will be removed from public view, meaning that it will not be visible in background checks conducted by most employers, landlords, or other entities. It is important to keep in mind that the records may still be accessible by law enforcement or other government agencies for certain purposes.
Am I Eligible to Have My Felony Expunged?
Not all felonies are eligible for expungement in Connecticut. The state has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for sealing or erasure. Some key factors that determine whether or not your felony can be expunged include the following.
- The type of crime: Not all felonies can be expunged. Family violence crimes, nonviolent sexual offenses, violent sexual offenses, and other serious felonies can never be expunged. Reference the Clean Slate page of the Connecticut government website for a full list of ineligible offenses.
- Completion of sentence: You must have completed all components of your conviction to be eligible for expungement. This includes prison time, fines, probation, and parole.
- Waiting period: You must also complete a waiting period. For felony convictions, there is a mandatory waiting period of 10 years until you can be considered for expungement.
- Good conduct: You must show good conduct during the waiting period. This means that you cannot be convicted of any new crimes in the 10-year period and generally exhibit good behavior.
If you meet all of the above requirements you may be able to have your felony expunged and move on with your life without the reminder of your past.
Work With a Skilled Defense Attorney
Depending on various factors, the expungement process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to obtain help from a skilled legal professional to ensure you follow proper procedures and have the best chance at getting your erasure approved. Work with your lawyer to prepare and submit your application.
Having a criminal record can create countless barriers in an individual’s life. Expungement offers a significant opportunity for people to overcome these barriers. Reach out to an experienced attorney for more information and advice.
