Can I get a criminal record expunged or sealed under any circumstances?
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Can I get a criminal record expunged or sealed under any circumstances?
I was charged with misdemeanor for shoplifting the clips from a $30 beauty device. It was a misunderstanding and I refused to answer questions at the store. I pled not guilty but agreed that I would probably be found guilty. I received deferred adjudication and completed 16 hours of community service. I am 55 years old and have never been charged with any crime. I have received a few traffic tickets which I always paid. Employment applications ask if I’ve ever been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. I always answer yes and I’m not getting any job offers. It’s been over 2 years.
Asked on November 5, 2011 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you have referred deferred adjudication concerning the issue that you are writing about and you have successfully completed the terms of your court supervised probabtion then possibily you were never convicted of the charge for shoplifting.
If you want to explore the possibility of an expungement of any shoplifting conviction, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as to the costs for the proceeding and the chances of success. Not all motions for an expungement are granted. Factors for granting are how long ago has the convicition happened, the type of conviction, the purpose for the request and what the convicted person has done post conviction.
Good luck.
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