Stamford Expungement Lawyer

Sometimes one bad judgment call can result in a criminal record that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Even if you were found guilty of a criminal act in the past, there is no reason to let that criminal conviction continue to impact your life after you have served your sentence.

Many prior offenders are surprised to learn they do not have to continue to live as convicted felons and misdemeanants – you may be able to have your criminal conviction pardoned in Connecticut and wiped clean if you can prove you deserve a fresh start.

Under certain circumstances, you can have your entire criminal record erased by an expungement order. Once your record has been pardoned/expunged, you can legally state you do not have a criminal record when filling out employment applications, credit applications and background checks.

Our Stamford expungement and pardon lawyers can assist you in obtaining the required documentation and presenting compelling evidence of your rehabilitation in support of a pardon and expungement application.

Expungement Process

An expungement order, also known as an expungement pardon, or full pardon, effectively erases an offender’s criminal record. In contrast to having a criminal record sealed (which can be reversed), expungement actually removes a person’s entire criminal history from the public record.

Although the record will still exist, and in some cases may be accessible by law enforcement with a court order, obtaining an expungement will erase incidents from an individual’s criminal history that would otherwise show up on a background check.

Applying for a Pardon

Individuals who were convicted of a criminal offense are eligible to apply for a pardon after a certain period of time has passed. For felony offenses, offenders may apply for a pardon after 5 years have passed from the date of their last conviction.

For misdemeanor offenses, an expungement order may be applied after three years have passed from the date of the last conviction.

It is important to note that defendants who have currently pending charges, or open cases in any jurisdiction, are not eligible for expungement, regardless of how much time has passed since their last conviction.

In order to apply for a pardon/expungement in Connecticut, a convicted criminal offender must fill out an application detailing every aspect of their criminal record. They will also need to provide evidence of their rehabilitation to convince the Pardons Board they deserve to have their criminal record erased.

Granting of Expungement

The granting of an expungement application is considered by the State of Connecticut to be an act of grace and mercy, and many factors are taken into consideration by the Pardons Board when determining if an applicant deserves an expungement. After a denial of an expungement application, applicants must wait one full year before re-applying. An experienced Stamford expungement lawyer is essential in best determining how to effectively navigate through these legal processes.

Factors of an Expungement Pardon

Although all people convicted in Connecticut are eligible to apply for an expungement and pardon of their criminal record after an appropriate period of time has passed, not everyone who applies will have their Connecticut expungement pardon application granted.

The Pardons Board must be convinced that a convicted offender is deserving of having their criminal record erased before it will be expunged.

The applications process requires details about every prior criminal conviction, as well as evidence of the offender’s rehabilitation since the last offense was committed. References must be provided and will be contacted by the Board. The entire expungement process can take up to 2 years.

The assistance of an experienced Connecticut expungement attorney who understands what factors will play a role in the Pardons Board’s decision and can assist in collecting all of the required legal documentation can ensure that a defendant’s application is not denied for omissions or other legal failings.

Although an attorney is not required, a successful expungement will require a hearing, and hiring an experienced Stamford expungement lawyer can meaningfully assist you in this process.

Benefits of an Attorney

Your criminal conviction should not be your defining moment in your life. Do not let your past mistakes continue to be the first thing prospective employers associate with you.

An experienced Stamford expungement lawyer has experience helping many different types of prior offenders wipe their criminal records clean so they can move on with their lives.