Bentonville Expungement Attorney

Seek Legal Guidance for Expungement in Rogers, AR; Fayetteville, AR; Springdale, AR

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in the past, you’ve likely suffered from the effects that such a mistake can have on your everyday life. Even a minor, first-time offense can impact employment opportunities, child custody decisions, financial wellbeing, and your overall reputation.

It’s possible that you’ve heard of the option of having your record “expunged” as a way to move on from a criminal past — but what does expungement mean?

Essentially, expunging a criminal charge is the process of “sealing” any record of the offense. This makes the details of your charges confidential to certain parties. By pursuing an expungement, you can alleviate some of the hurdles that a criminal record can cause.

To achieve a successful expungement, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Expungement laws and terms vary by state, so the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer is essential. Attorney Ramon Bertucci of Bertucci Law Firm is dedicated to protecting your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and helping you get on with your life. Contact the firm today to discuss your case!

Send us a message or call (479) 227-2716 to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding the Scope of Expungement in Arkansas

Although expungement can certainly limit the availability of information about a past criminal offense, your record is not totally swiped clean. Some parties, such as law enforcement agencies, government entities, courts, and attorneys, will still be able to access details about a conviction, which includes the possibility of using such records as evidence in certain situations.

Depending on the details of your case, an expunged record may still be accessible if you pursue a career in law enforcement, education, or caregiving roles. If your conviction resulted in a loss of your right to own firearms, expungement may not reestablish those rights.

Advantages of Pursuing Expungement in Arkansas

So, if your criminal record can still be accessed following expungement, what is the purpose of this action? You may be asking yourself: Is pursuing an expungement worth it?

In a word, yes! While expungement may not be the completely “clean slate” that many perceive it to be, it is still a worthwhile pursuit that can be helpful in many areas of your life. In general, expungement provides you with the right to say you do not have a criminal record in everyday, non-legal situations, such as when applying for jobs or housing.

By expunging a conviction, the offense may be confidential to:

• Some employers
• Landlords
• People who conduct a standard background check on you
• The general public

Are You Eligible for Record Expungement in Arkansas?

Expungement is an option that is only available to certain people. The laws pertaining to some criminal offenses do not allow expungement at all, while others permit it in certain situations. Pursuing an expungement of your records also requires that all matters pertaining to the offense are resolved, such as fulfilling responsibilities under probation and paying any applicable fines.

In the state of Arkansas, the following offenses generally CANNOT be expunged:

• Violent felonies
• Class A or B felonies (other than drug crimes)
• Class Y felonies
• Unclassified felonies with 10+ years’ maximum sentence
• Felonies in which sentencing included time in the Arkansas Department of Corrections
• Manslaughter sentences
• Sexual offenses involving minors

Ready for a Fresh Start? Contact Our Expungement Attorney Today

Expunging a past criminal offense can help you access new opportunities that were previously unavailable to you. If you are interested in learning more about expungement, would like to know if you are eligible to have your criminal record sealed, or are ready to begin the process of pursuing this legal fresh start, contact the Bentonville and Rogers expungement attorney of Bertucci Law Firm today.

To schedule a free consultation, call (479) 227-2716 or complete the contact form.