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    How Do I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in Connecticut?

    How Do I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in Connecticut?

    Is your criminal record holding you back from opportunities in your work life or personal life? A past conviction can impact job prospects, housing options, and social reputation. However, there may be a solution. By consulting a lawyer, you can find out if you’re eligible to have your criminal record erased. Expunging your record can provide a clean slate, allowing you to move forward without the weight of your past holding you down.

    What Happens When You Expunge Your Criminal Record?

    In Connecticut, expungement, also known as an absolute pardon, erases all police and court records related to your case. Once an absolute pardon is granted, the Connecticut Erasure Statute, C.G.S. § 54-142a takes effect. Obtaining an absolute pardon is the best way to protect yourself moving forward from your past convictions showing up on background checks.

    What Are the Requirements for Expungement?

    In Connecticut, you may be eligible for expungement of your misdemeanor or felony convictions if you meet the following requirements:

    • Time Elapsed: At least three years must have passed since the disposition of your most recent misdemeanor conviction. At least five years must have passed since the disposition of your most recent felony conviction.
    • No Parole or Probation: You must not be currently serving a parole or probation term.
    • No Pending Charges: There must be no pending charges or open cases against you in any jurisdiction, whether state or federal.
    • Nature of Offenses: You must not have been convicted of certain serious offenses, such as: Class A felony, a Class B felony involving a crime against a person, and/or certain sexual offenses or crimes involving the use of a firearm
    • Restitution: If you were ordered to pay restitution as part of your sentence, you must have completed that requirement.

    Meeting these criteria is crucial to successfully applying for expungement. Our team can help guide you through the process and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

    What Are the Steps for Expungement?

    The process for expungement involves several key steps:

    • Obtain documentation of your criminal record and relevant police reports.
    • Complete an application for a Connecticut Absolute Pardon.
    • Submit additional forms, including a background investigation authorization form and an absolute reference questionnaire.
    • Provide a probation letter, and if applicable, a report of separation if you served in the military.
    • Write a personal statement and submit proof of employment and state identification.

    After submitting these materials, you may be scheduled for an expedited review or a standard pre-screen review, which may require attending a hearing. The entire process can take between 2-3 months, and is dependent on the volume of applications received.

    Work With a Connecticut Expungement Attorney

    Applying for an expungement can be daunting, time-consuming, and confusing. However, an experienced lawyer can simplify the process. They will help you gather the necessary documentation, guide you through each step, and ensure that your application is completed accurately.

    Your past convictions do not need to define who you are today. Don’t let your future be limited by mistakes from your past. By expunging your criminal record, you can open doors to new opportunities. Contact the 5-star rated lawyers at Mark Sherman Law today to learn more.