Expungement Lawyer OKC |
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Being convicted of even a minor crime can cast a long shadow. Most employers and landlords perform background checks before hiring decisions or renting apartments. Oklahoma makes it easy for them to learn about criminal charges and convictions. Any member of the public with internet access can view the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network’s records, including information provided by prosecutors that paints defendants in a negative light – unless you have your record expunged. This can be easily achieved with an expungement lawyer.
You can apply to have your criminal history expunged as long as you don’t have a violent felony conviction. Still, the process is complex, and success is far from guaranteed. The experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys at the Shelton Law Firm are here to answer your questions and fight to get you the fresh start you deserve.
What is Expungement, and Can It Help You?
If you expunge your arrest or conviction, employers, landlords, and your friends or family members will no longer be able to find out about it by simply running an online search. This will provide you with peace of mind, and it could make it a lot easier for you to find a good job or rent a nice apartment. Criminal record expungements do not delete your case’s details, but they make them inaccessible. Members of the public can no longer view expunged records. However, law enforcement agencies will still be able to access them. Remember that you cannot expunge all criminal convictions, and not all applications for expungement are successful.
What Offenses Can Be Expunged in Oklahoma?
If you have a misdemeanor conviction or a non-violent felony, you can apply for an expungement in Oklahoma. Oklahoma does not expunge the criminal records of individuals who commit violent felonies or crimes that require their names to go on the state’s sexual offender registry.
Suppose you were convicted of a misdemeanor and received a deferred sentence. In that case, you can apply for an expungement one year after completing your probation. The waiting period will be five years if you have a misdemeanor conviction. Your sentence was suspended or included jail time or a more than $500 fine. Still, you can apply for an expungement immediately if you were fined $500 or less.
You can also apply for an expungement five years after completing the sentence for a felony conviction. Still, seven years must have passed since your last misdemeanor charge if your felony sentence included jail time. Suppose you were convicted of a felony and had a prior felony conviction. In that case, you can apply for an expungement 10 years after completing your sentence.
Even if the necessary amount of time has passed, your application for an expungement will be unsuccessful if you do not meet the program’s other requirements. This is why consulting with an experienced expungement lawyer before you file a petition would be a good idea. An attorney could verify your eligibility for expungement by ensuring all court costs connected to your case are paid and no charges are pending against you.
Oklahoma Expungement Lawyer FAQs
Can you expunge a felony in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s expungement law allows felony records to be sealed as long as the offense was not violent. However, being eligible for an expungement and receiving one are two very different things. District court judges only grant record sealings when the applicant’s right to privacy outweighs the public interest, and convincing a judge to issue a court order in a case involving a felony could be difficult. If you have an experienced expungement attorney advocating on your behalf, your chances of success could be much higher.
Can you expunge a DUI in Oklahoma?
You can expunge all misdemeanor and some felony drunk driving convictions in Oklahoma. But, the criminal records of motorists convicted of violent felonies like vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide cannot be sealed. An experienced expungement lawyer could check your records to see if you are eligible for a DUI expungement.
Can you expunge a misdemeanor in Oklahoma?
A misdemeanor is a minor offense that carries a maximum custodial sentence of one year or less, and they are eligible for expungement in Oklahoma when certain conditions are met. You can apply to have a misdemeanor conviction expunged if you have no outstanding court costs, no pending misdemeanor or felony charges, and no prior felony convictions.
When can I expunge my record in Oklahoma?
You can apply for an expungement right away if you were convicted of a misdemeanor and ordered to pay a fine of $500 or less, but you will have to wait at least a year if you received a suspended sentence, were fined more than $500 or sent to jail. Suppose you were convicted of a felony and had a prior felony conviction. In that case, you will have to wait 10 years before you can apply for an expungement.
Who Can Help Me with Expungement? The Role of an Expungement Lawyer
An experienced expungement lawyer could obtain and review your records to ensure you meet the program requirements. If you do, an attorney could prepare and submit the required documents and prepare a strong expungement case. Judges are often reluctant to grant expungements even when applicants are eligible, so it would be wise to ask an experienced attorney to advocate on your behalf. The experienced expungement lawyers at the Shelton Law Firm have a proven track record in this area and will work hard to get you a fresh start.
Can I File for Expungement Without a Lawyer?
You can file for an expungement without the help of an attorney, but it wouldn’t be a very good idea. You must deal with complex court documents and submit paperwork with your records to every district court. Even a minor misstep or error could rob you of your opportunity. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation recommends using an experienced expungement lawyer to handle these matters.
Shelton Law Firm: Your Trusted Expungement Lawyer in Oklahoma City
A criminal record expungement could remove the barriers that are holding you back and give you a chance to move on with your life. The attorneys at the Shelton Law Firm understand the expungement laws and procedures and know-how Oklahoma City courts operate. The Shelton Law Firm offers flexible payment options and competitive rates, and our expungement lawyers will work hard to get you a clean slate.
Contact the Shelton Law Firm Today
If you are ready to put your past behind you and seek a fresh start, contact the experienced expungement lawyers at the Shelton Law Firm today. You can ask us questions about your case and your chances of obtaining an expungement during an initial consultation, and we make contacting us easy. You can call us at (405) 550-7399, send an email to shelby@sheltonlawfirmok.com or fill out our online form. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. As a leading criminal defense attorney, personal injury attorney, estate planning attorney, and family attorney, we offer a wide range of legal services to protect your rights and interests. From defending against criminal charges to handling complex personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel. Trust Shelton Law Firm for your legal needs in OKC.