How do I go about getting an expungement?
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How do I go about getting an expungement?
I am 20 and was arrested for retail theft a few months ago. I had no previous charges ever so the police officer told me about a class that I could take that would allow me to expunge the theft charge. When I went to the office to pay by dues, the lady told me if I pleed guilty right there she would let me take the class without the process of appearing in court. So I did that and now I am going to start the expungement process. I do not have money for a lawyer but I need advice. I only pled guilty because that lady so if I need to appear in court for expungement should I appear remorseful or innocent? What do I need to know about the expungement process? Also, do I have to appear in court? What are the chances I will get it expunged?
Asked on January 10, 2015 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Under the circumstances, you may not need to get an exoungement; there may not be anythng that appears as to any of this on your "rap sheet". It sounds as though you�may have�entered into a "deferred adjuducation" program (or your state's equivalent). In other words, upon successful comletion of your class, you may have been left with a clean record. If not, then you are correct; you will need to get the conviction expunged.
What you can do to start is to get� copy of your criminal history record to see what it says (or more importanly what it does not say). You can contact your local police departent as to how to do this. If you need to proceed with an expungment, then you can google that term and your state's name. Virtually all states have online information as to how to go about clearing a criminal history record. It may take some time and a little money for fees, but you should be able to do it yourself.
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