Expungement is the legal process by which a court removes or erases all records of a criminal conviction, even if it is a felony conviction. If you wish to remove a felony from your record and you are eligible to do so under the laws of the state in which you were convicted, you will have to obtain a court order. If you are successful in having your conviction expunged, your records related to this conviction will be erased and sealed from public view.
All states have different procedures for expunging felony matters. Generally, you must file a motion or petition for expungement with the court that heard the felony charges. All states have different eligibility requirements for the expungement of felony convictions. In almost all states, there are certain types or classes of felony convictions that cannot be expunged, and in a fair amount of states, felony convictions cannot be expunged at all.
The Oklahoma Petition for Expungement of Record in Case of Acquittal and Release without Conviction provides individuals with the opportunity to clear their criminal records if they have been acquitted or released without conviction. This legal process allows individuals to have their past charges and arrests removed from public view, providing them with a fresh start and the ability to pursue employment, housing, or other opportunities without the stigma of a criminal record. Expungement essentially erases the records of the individual's arrest, charges, and court proceedings related to the specific case. There are two different types of Oklahoma Petitions for Expungement of Record in Case of Acquittal and Release without Conviction, known as Section 18 expungements and Section 991c expungements. Section 18 expungements are for individuals who have been acquitted at trial or had their charges dismissed by the court. This type of expungement allows the complete removal of the arrest and court record from the individual's criminal record, as if the charges never occurred. On the other hand, Section 991c expungements are for individuals who have successfully completed a deferred sentence or probation program without a conviction. This type of expungement seals the arrest and court records, making them inaccessible to the public, but it may still be accessible to certain government entities or for specific purposes such as firearms background checks. To initiate the process, the individual must file a petition with the court that handled the case. The petition should include relevant information such as the individual's name, case number, charges, and date of acquittal or release. Additionally, supporting documents such as court orders, dismissal records, or similar documentation should be attached to strengthen the petition. It is advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney to ensure that the petition is accurately prepared and filed within the required timeframes. Once the petition is submitted, the court will review the case and decide whether to grant the expungement. If approved, the court will issue an order for expungement, directing all relevant agencies, law enforcement, and courts to seal or destroy the records associated with the case. It is essential to note that expungement does not apply to every criminal charge, and certain offenses such as violent crimes or sex offenses may not be eligible for expungement. Overall, the Oklahoma Petition for Expungement of Record in Case of Acquittal and Release without Conviction provides individuals with a chance to leave their past behind, offering them a clean slate and the opportunity to rebuild their lives without the burden of a criminal record. By successfully obtaining an expungement, individuals can regain their privacy and restore their reputation, enabling them to pursue various personal and professional endeavors with confidence.
