How to Get Criminal Charges Removed

Having prior convictions or criminal charges on your permanent record can limit available opportunities for your future. Many employers will ask potential employees to submit to background checks. If you have a criminal record, you probably won't get the job. Criminal charges might also prevent you from obtaining certain types of licenses and affect your eligibility for apartment leases. This is why you need to have your record expunged (removed) or sealed. It lets your record come up clean.

• 1

  Contact the clerk of the court and obtain a copy of the final order of the specific conviction you want off your record. You will need to provide your case number; the clerk will need this information to retrieve your file. You also will have to pay a small fee for a printed copy of your conviction information.

• 2

  Fill out an expungement packet along with an application to have your record sealed. Turn it in to the clerk of the court. The fee for filing the application is $50. If you do not have the money to pay the fee, you can fill out a form called a "Poverty Affidavit" and the court may waive the fee.

• 3

  Prepare for the upcoming hearing. After you turn in all the paperwork and fees, the clerk of the court will give you a court date, either right then or by mail. While waiting for your court date, prepare a statement for the judge. Do your best to convince the judge you are crime-free and ready to contribute to society.

• 4

  Dress appropriately for your hearing. Make every effort to demonstrate to the judge that you are rehabilitated and crime-free. Dress tastefully and respectfully for your hearing. Wear dress clothes that suggest professionalism. This can help the judge to take your inquiry and request more seriously.

• 5

  Show up to court on time and be polite and courteous to the judge and staff. Your attitude during the hearing will speak volumes about the progress you've made in living a crime-free life. Show proper respect to the judge. Explain your situation thoroughly and eloquently.

• 6

  Wait for the court's decision. The judge may decide on the spot, or the court might notify you by mail.