Expungement in D.C.

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The negative effects of an arrest or criminal conviction are rarely limited its immediate consequences, such as jail time, fines, or probation. In many cases, a person’s criminal history can have a detrimental impact on a person’s life for years to come, causing them to face social scrutiny as well as limiting their options for employment or housing. Under certain circumstances, however, individuals may seek to have their criminal records sealed from public view through a process known as “expungement,” or “expunction,” allowing them to be free from the shadows of their past.

If you are being held back by a past arrest or criminal conviction, contact the Washington, D.C. expungement lawyers at Hunter & Johnson PLLC. Having earned an “Excellent” Avvo Rating and unanimous praise from past clients, our team of criminal defense attorneys can help you find out if you are eligible to have your record sealed and help you move forward with your life.

Do not let a past mistake drag you down any longer – contact us today to review your legal options.

The Washington, D.C. Expungement Process

The process for seeking an expungement in Washington, D.C. will vary depending on whether or not a person was convicted of a crime, the offense in question, and the length of time that has passed since being convicted. For those who were never convicted, by far the easiest way to secure an expungement is by showing that they were innocent of the crime for which they were arrested or charged. If this cannot be accomplished, individuals charged with certain qualifying misdemeanor offenses may petition to have their records sealed if:

• They were not convicted of the alleged crime
• Two to five years have passed since the case ended, depending on the crime in question
• They have not been arrested or convicted of a disqualifying offense.

Who is Eligible for Expungement in D.C.?

For those who were convicted of a crime in D.C., individuals with eligible misdemeanors may seek to have their records sealed after ten years have passed since completing their sentence, as long as they do not have a disqualifying arrest or conviction on their record.

It is important to note that “failure to appear” is the only eligible felony, and the list of ineligible misdemeanors is lengthy. Our attorneys can help you find out if you are eligible for expungement in D.C. and determine the most appropriate course of action to pursue.

Why Should I Seek an Expungement?

Sealing your entire criminal record or a particular arrest or conviction can provide you with a number of invaluable benefits. Prior arrests can greatly inhibit your ability to obtain a job, security clearance, or admission to graduate school – even if you were never convicted. By clearing your record through expungement, members of the general public will be unable to see your criminal history and you will be able to truthfully state that you have never been convicted of a crime on job and loan applications, even if you are under oath.

Why Hire a D.C. Expungement Lawyer?

It is important to remember that expungement in D.C. is not an easy process, and that success is not guaranteed. This is why it is so critical to retain the services of a powerful advocate from our firm. At Hunter & Johnson PLLC, our Washington, D.C. criminal defense lawyers are intimately familiar with the ins and outs of the expungement process and can use our skills to maximize your chances of success. We understand that good people can sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to help you achieve a second chance.

Let us help you pursue a new future. Fill out an online form today to get started.