Four Major Benefits of Having Your Record Expunged

Everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, for some people, they have a criminal record that can hold them back in countless ways. Thankfully, Pennsylvania law recognizes that people can learn from their mistakes and allows people to clear their criminal records, in some circumstances, through a process known as expungementt. When your record is expunged, it means that that you can legally answer “no” if you are asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime. It also means that, in most cases, your criminal record no longer exists for the purposes of the law. Here are some of the major benefits of expunging your criminal record in Pennsylvania:

• It Can Make It Much Easier to Get a Job – More employers are a running criminal background check on every person who applies for a position, from upper level management to basic entry-level positions. If you have a criminal record, it can be much more difficult to get hired. Furthermore, if your record indicates that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, or that you have been convicted of crimes of dishonesty, it can make it next to impossible to secure decent employment.
• Renting an Apartment Will Be Simpler – Landlords have an interest in making sure that their rent is paid on time and that there is no illegal activity occurring on their property. As a result, many property owners are conducting background checks on the individuals who apply to rent their apartments. If you have a criminal record, you may find yourself unable to rent the apartment or home that you would like to rent. By expunging your criminal record, you will know that a potential landlord will not deny you based on your criminal history.
• It Will Give You Peace of Mind – Court documents are typically public records. As a result, if you have a criminal record, anyone with sufficient curiosity about your past is currently able to uncover details about your offense or offenses. These include current employers, friends, family members, and even romantic partners. When you expunge your criminal record, you will know that no one will learn about your past mistakes unless you choose to tell them.

Call the Skinner Law Firm Today to Discuss Your Case with a West Chester Expungement Attorney

Don’t let mistakes you have made in the past hold you back any longer. If you want to expunge your criminal record, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. Even if you are not yet eligible for expungement, a lawyer can advise you about steps that you can take to maximize your chances for success when the time comes. To schedule a free case evaluation with West Chester criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Skinner, call our office today at 610-436-1410 or contact us online.