When a person is convicted of a crime in Connecticut, they can receive a criminal record. These are public and can impact a person’s future and reputation. This is because it is often difficult to receive an education, job, loans, housing, and more with a criminal record. The state of Connecticut understands that this can be difficult, which is why records can be expunged in certain cases. During this time, it is important to retain the services of an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney for assistance.
What is Expungement?
Under expungement laws in Connecticut, a person who is convicted of a crime can ask the court to remove this mark from their record. When this is done, the individual’s arrest and conviction can only be viewed by certain agencies, such as federal authorities. Having a criminal record expunged can provide a person with a clean slate to move on with their life and have a fresh start for their future. While this is true, not all crimes can be expunged, only ones that meet certain criteria.
Can I Expunge My Criminal Record?
Only certain cases in the state of Connecticut can be expunged from a person’s record. The law allows arrest records, criminal charges, and convictions to be expunged. A criminal record may be expunged in the event of the following circumstances:
- The individual was charged with a crime but not found guilty
- The case was dismissed
- The charges against the individual were dropped at least 13 months prior to filing
- The case was put on hold at least 13 months prior to filing and there was no prosecution or other disposition of the matter
If it was a juvenile crime, records can be expunged with a Petition for Erasure. Adult convictions that are expunged are known as an absolute pardon. These are generally expunged when the appeal deadlines expire. Those who are convicted of a crime that was later decriminalized can result in expungement and a Petition for Erasure.
Adult convictions may be eligible for expungement, which is sometimes known as an absolute pardon. Expungement pardons are available after the following waiting periods:
- Three years for a misdemeanor conviction
- Five years for a felony conviction
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.