Practice
Sealing an old record
A case that was dismissed, an acquittal, or an old conviction that still turns up on background checks may be eligible to be sealed or expunged.
People usually come to me about this years later, when a landlord, an employer or a school turns them down over a case they thought was behind them.
Who qualifies
Eligibility depends on the kind of charge, how it ended, how long ago, and what's happened since. Dismissals and not-guilty verdicts are often the simplest. Old misdemeanors and some first felonies can qualify after a waiting period.
What sealing does
A sealed record no longer shows up on most background checks, and in most settings you can answer as though the case never happened. A few agencies can still see it; I'll tell you which.
What it takes
A motion, filed with the court that handled the case, and in some cases a short hearing. Letters from employers, teachers or clergy help. Most clients don't need to say a word in court.
What I do
From your old record to a clean check
- 01
Step 1: Your full record
I pull every case, including the ones you'd forgotten, so nothing surprises us later.
- 02
Step 2: Eligibility
I tell you plainly which cases qualify now, which will later, and which can't.
- 03
Step 3: The motion
I draft and file it, with the letters and records that support it.
- 04
Step 4: After it's granted
We go over what you can say on job, housing and school applications.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
Usually a few months from filing, depending on the court's calendar.
Do I have to go to court?
Sometimes, for a short hearing. Often the judge decides on the papers.
Will the record be gone completely?
From most public and employer checks, yes. Some law-enforcement and licensing agencies can still see sealed records.
My case was dismissed. Why does it still show up?
A dismissal isn't sealed on its own in most places. It still needs a motion, and it's usually the easiest kind to grant.
Talk it through before your court date
Call, or write a line about the charge and the date. You'll hear back the same day.
The first call is free and doesn't make me your lawyer.