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Expungement: Why it pays to start the process early

Seeking an expungement of your criminal record can help you change your life. Having a criminal history open to the public can make it harder to get a job and find housing. It essentially takes away some of your rights, and you continue to be haunted by your past.

The thing to realize is that by starting the expungement process, you may be able to get your record sealed. With an approved expungement, you’ll be able to apply for work without having to disclose your past criminal records (if they were part of the expungement). Additionally, you may find it easier to find housing.

Why should you start the expungement process right away?

You should start the process as quickly as you can because it can take a long time to get your request approved. If your past criminal actions qualify under Virginia law, then you will need to:

  • Prepare a petition with the court.
  • File copies of your petition in the Circuit Court.
  • Get a copy of your criminal history.
  • Schedule hearings and explain why an expungement would be beneficial for you.

Expungements take around six months, but some may take longer depending on the jurisdiction.

You deserve to have a fresh start

While some people think that the expungement process takes so long and is so strict that it may not be worth applying, the reality is that getting the expungement approved is worth much more than the time it would take to apply.

With an approved application, an expungement can make a huge difference in your life. You’ve learned from past errors and done your best to improve your life, so it is reasonable to ask that the court not only recognizes that but also agrees to seal your records and help you on your way.

If you have questions about expungement and what it takes to get started, you can speak with your attorney about the documents they’ll need to begin your petition. Since the process can be fairly long, getting started now is a good way to make sure your case is heard sooner rather than later.

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