Everybody makes mistakes — some more serious than others. When you were younger, you may have fallen in with the wrong crowd or simply had a momentary lapse in judgement. This is all it takes to find yourself in trouble with the law.
If you were charged and convicted, then it may feel like you are going to have to carry the burden of a criminal record around forever. However, this might not be the case. An expungement offers you a chance to wipe the slate clean and remove your criminal record from public eyes. What are the benefits of doing this?
Boosting your career opportunities
It’s fairly easy to carry out a background check on prospective employees, which is why so many employers do this. In the past, this may have prevented you from landing your dream job. By having your record expunged, it will no longer appear in background checks, and you can be judged based on your merit rather than mistakes that are long in the past.
Housing opportunities
It’s not only prospective employers who carry out background checks. Many landlords do this as well. A landlord may not be willing to listen to the full circumstances of your case. They may instead arrive at a decision quickly and opt for another tenant. Having your record expunged can prevent all of this, making it much easier for you to land your new home.
The psychological benefits
Not only does an expungement have practical benefits, but it can boost your overall well-being. You won’t have the past constantly being dragged up, and you can focus on the person you are today.
To find out if you are eligible to have your record expunged and have a better chance of the process going smoothly if you are, be sure to seek legal guidance.