Petition for Expungement of Record in Case of Acquittal and Release without Conviction
About this form
The Petition for Expungement of Record in Case of Acquittal and Release without Conviction is a legal document that allows individuals who have been acquitted of criminal charges to request the removal of their arrest records from public view. This form is specifically designed for individuals who have not been convicted but wish to erase any lingering records of their arrest, differing from other expungement forms that may pertain to convictions. Completing this process successfully can help restore an individual's reputation and facilitate societal reintegration.
What’s included in this form
- Identification of the petitioner and the case number.
- Details of the arrest, including the police department and date of arrest.
- Confirmation of release without conviction and lack of other criminal offenses.
- Signature of the petitioner and their attorney, if represented.
- Certificate of service confirming delivery of the petition to the opposing counsel.
Legal requirements by state
This is a general form suitable for multiple states. Review and modify it as needed to reflect your jurisdiction’s rules.
Common use cases
This form should be used when you have been arrested but acquitted of the charges, and you want to expunge your arrest record. It is pertinent in situations where individuals want to clear their name and eliminate any negative impacts on their employment or personal life caused by an arrest record, despite not being convicted.
Who should use this form
- Individuals who have been acquitted of criminal charges.
- Those wanting to remove arrest records from public databases.
- People who have not been convicted of any other offenses since their arrest.
How to complete this form
- Identify the parties involved by entering the petitioner's name and case number.
- Provide the details of the arrest, including the name of the police department and the date of the incident.
- State the date of release and confirm that no convictions exist since the arrest.
- Sign the petition, ensuring it is dated and includes the name of the attorney if applicable.
- Complete the certificate of service to confirm that all necessary parties have been notified.
Notarization requirements for this form
Notarization is generally not required for this form. However, certain states or situations might demand it. You can complete notarization online through US Legal Forms, powered by Notarize, using a verified video call available anytime.
Mistakes to watch out for
- Failing to include the correct case number, which can delay processing.
- Not providing all necessary details about the arrest.
- Omitting signatures, which can lead to rejection of the petition.
- Not verifying the eligibility criteria for expungement in your specific state.
Why use this form online
- Convenient access to the form at any time, enabling preparation at your pace.
- Editability allows for ensuring all information is accurate before submission.
- Reliability from a source created by licensed attorneys, adhering to legal standards.
Legal use & context
- Used to officially request the removal of specific arrest records.
- Protects the petitioner's rights by ensuring their records are sealed.
- Legally binding document that must be accurately completed to be effective.
Form popularity
FAQ
Your whole letter should be about three paragraphs. Begin by telling how you got in trouble in the first place, but keep this part short. Give just enough detail for the employer to understand the nature of your infraction, but do not give too much detail.
Expect to pay $100 to $600 in document processing and filing fees. If you feel you may have trouble coming up with the money to pay those fees, some states do offer free expungement services to indigent clients.
Most expungements will cost around $1,500, although each case differs according to the individual facts and circumstances, and the jurisdiction.
After the petition is filed, the state's attorney, the state police, and all other notified parties have 60 days to object. If the judge grants the petition, an order is entered, and all state agencies are given 60 days to expunge or seal the record. The total process typically takes about six months.
Always begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as "Dear Judge...", before composing the rest of the letter. Then, write the first paragraph of your letter by explaining why you are writing, what charge you wish to have expunged, and a short description of why you feel it should be expunged.
Online expungement is only available through Maryland expungement.com and not offered by a State or government website. This legal expungement service is particularly convenient for individuals who don't want to have to travel to the courthouse, obtain all the paperwork, drive home.
The letter must state the case and explain the changes that the person made in their life to correct their actions. Examples of life changes are helping others and not getting arrested again.
Generally, you fill out a Petition for Expungement of Records and file it with the court that heard your case. If it has been less than three years from the time your case was concluded, you will also need to file a General Waiver and Release. A filing fee of $30 may apply. This filing fee is not refundable.
I would like to expunge my ex-husband from my memory. Because the court has decided to expunge my criminal record, there will be no evidence of my past misdeeds. The president has the power to expunge any person's criminal history in order to give that individual a fresh start in life.
