When you have a criminal record, it can feel like life is over. You may find it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or even travel abroad. Fortunately, there is hope! An expungement attorney can help you clear your criminal record and start fresh. In this blog post, we will discuss how to find an expungement attorney and what to expect from the process.
How To Find One Expungement Attorney? (Eight Ways)
There are a few ways to find an expungement attorney. You can ask family and friends for recommendations, search online, or go through the list of attorneys available on different platforms. Here are some tips for finding an expungement attorney that’s right for you:
1. Start With A Simple Google Search
One of the best ways to find an expungement attorney is to start with a simple Google search. Just type in “expungement attorney” and your location into the search bar. You should see a list of attorneys who practice expungement law in your area.
If you don’t know where to start, you can also try searching for an “expungement attorney near me.” This will bring up a map of attorneys who practice expungement law in your area. You can also try searching for specific expungement attorneys by name. For example, if you’ve heard of an expungement attorney who is particularly good, you can try searching for them by name.
2. Check With Your Local Bar Association
Another great way to find an expungement attorney is to check with your local bar association or ask for references from trial attorneys or other similar attorneys. Most bar associations have a referral service that can help you find an attorney who practices expungement law. When you call the bar association, be sure to explain that you are looking for an expungement attorney. The referral service will likely ask you a few questions about your case to make sure you are matched with the right attorney.
For example, they may ask you what type of expungement you are seeking (e.g., expungement of a misdemeanor or felony). They may also ask how long ago the offense occurred, as well as where it occurred.
3. Look For An Attorney Who Specializes In Expungement Law
When you are looking for an expungement attorney, it is important to find one who specializes in expungement law. This area of law can be complex, and you want to make sure you have an attorney who knows the ins and outs.
One way to find an attorney who specializes in expungement law or similar accident or criminal laws is to look for one who is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). This organization is dedicated to defending the rights of criminal defendants. To find an attorney who is a member of the NACDL, you can search their website or give them a call.
4. Ask Friends Or Family Members
If you know someone who has expunged their criminal record, they may be able to give you a referral to an expungement attorney. This is often the best way to find an attorney, as you will have a personal recommendation from someone you trust.
When asking for a referral, be sure to explain what type of expungement you are seeking. This will help the person giving you the referral to know which attorney to recommend.
5. Schedule A Consultation
Once you have a few expungement attorneys in mind, the next step is to schedule a consultation. Most expungement attorneys offer free consultations, so be sure to ask about this when you call to make an appointment.
At the consultation, you will likely meet with the attorney for 30 minutes to an hour. This is your chance to ask the attorney any questions you have about expungement law and the expungement process.
6. Be Prepared To Discuss Your Criminal History
When you meet with an expungement attorney, be prepared to discuss your criminal history. The attorney will need to know the details of your case in order to determine if you are eligible for expungement. Be honest with the attorney about your criminal history. This will help them give you the best possible advice about whether or not expungement is right for you.
7. Get A Second Opinion Date
If you are still unsure about whether or not to expunge your criminal record, you may want to get a second opinion from another expungement attorney or an experienced mediation law professional. This will give you the chance to hear another opinion on your case and make an informed decision about whether or not expungement is right for you.
When getting a second opinion, be sure to ask the same questions you asked the first attorney. This will help you to compare and contrast the two opinions.
8. Review The Expungement Paperwork
Once you have decided to expunge your criminal record, the next step is to review the expungement paperwork. The expungement attorney will likely give you a stack of documents to sign. Be sure to read through all of the paperwork carefully before you sign anything. If you have any questions about the paperwork, be sure to ask the expungement attorney before you sign.
These are just a few tips to help you find an expungement attorney. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find an attorney who can help you expunge your criminal record.
What To Expect From The Process?
The first step is to gather all of the necessary paperwork. This may include court documents, police reports, and fingerprints. Once you have gathered everything, you will need to file a petition with the court. The next step is to attend a hearing, where the judge will decide whether or not to grant your expungement. If everything goes well, you will receive an order from the court and your criminal record will be expunged!
Conclusion
If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, expungement may be an option for you. An attorney can help you clear your criminal record and start fresh. Contact an expungement attorney today to get started on your expungement case!