Being arrested or convicted of a crime can create barriers to getting a job, a professional license, paying child support, or a place to live.
That mistake, no matter how hard a person has worked since, is hard to get past. Expungements and pardons help remove these obstacles. Not everyone can qualify, but our fatherhood programs encourage men to learn what’s possible.
Understanding criminal records
A criminal record generally includes all arrests, charges, convictions and non-convictions that have ever happened to a person. Learn more about the impact of criminal records and how expungement works.
Full expungement
You can apply for expungement without a lawyer’s help. But expungement can be complicated – and not all crimes can be expunged from your record. Learn more about the requirements and types of expungement.
Pardons
Pardons and expungements are not the same. A pardon is the forgiveness of the state. If you don’t meet expungement requirements, you may file for a pardon without a lawyer.
Juvenile expungement
Many adults are still haunted by the mistakes made in their youth. For those 17 years old or older who have fully completed their sentence, certain juvenile records are eligible to be erased by court order.