Most people don’t realize how much a criminal record check may affect them. If you have recently applied for a new job, applied for college, or filled out an application to lease an apartment, there is a great possibility that a criminal background check was performed while that application was being considered. Although you would expect that certain criminal convictions may seriously hinder your application, you probably don’t realize that even cases that were dismissed may still be a part of your criminal record.
Most people are under the mistaken perception that if a case is dismissed or if there is a finding of “not guilty”, the charge will automatically be removed from their criminal record. Unfortunately, the dismissal or acquittal will still remain a part of your criminal record unless you have the case expunged. Sometimes, the simple fact that someone was charged may be almost as damaging as a conviction, regardless of the favorable outcome.
So what is the next step? Call our office to see if you qualify to have your record expunged. Along with charges that have been dismissed or where an individual was found not guilty, there are some other instances where a person may still be eligible for an expunction even where the charge resulted in a conviction. Some of these instances depending on the age of the person at the time of the offense, the amount of time that has passed since the conviction, as well as your record following that initial conviction.
Call us today and speak to a Winston-Salem criminal defense attorney to see if you qualify for a criminal expunction.