A criminal record can significantly hinder your opportunities, affecting employment prospects, housing applications, and educational pursuits. At Zanger Law Firm, we understand the challenges that come with a tarnished record and are dedicated to helping residents of White House, Sumner County, Robertson County, and the broader Tennessee area navigate the expungement process.
Understanding Expungement in Tennessee
Expungement is a legal procedure that removes certain offenses from your criminal history, effectively restoring your status to what it was before the incident. Once expunged, these records are eliminated from all official sources, ensuring that employers, landlords, and financial institutions no longer have access to them. This process offers a fresh start, free from the burdens of past mistakes.
In Tennessee, the expungement process takes about two months. Some charges can be cleared after three years, but not every offense qualifies. Many misdemeanors and certain non-violent felonies are eligible, so if you have a past charge, you might be able to get it removed. Not every charge can be removed, but many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies qualify. Some common examples include first-time drug offenses and cases that were dismissed or resulted in a not-guilty verdict. If you were convicted as a young adult, you may also have more options for sealing or expunging your record.
At Zanger Law Firm, we’ll review your record and let you know if you qualify. If you do, we’ll handle the process for you, making sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
The Expungement Process
Navigating the expungement process can be complex, but with the right legal assistance, it becomes manageable. The general steps include:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determining whether your offense qualifies for expungement under Tennessee law.
- Filing a Petition: Submitting a formal request to the appropriate court.
- Court Review: The court evaluates your petition, considering factors like the nature of the offense and your conduct since the conviction.
- Order Issuance: If approved, the court issues an expungement order, leading to the removal of the record from public access.
Sealing vs. Expunging a Record
Sealing your record limits who can see it, but it doesn’t erase it entirely. Expungement, on the other hand, removes it from public records altogether. If your record is sealed, it won’t show up on most background checks, but certain agencies—like law enforcement or the courts—may still have access.
A past arrest or conviction can make it tough to move on with your life. At Zanger Law Firm, we understand how much this matters, and we’re here to help you get a fresh start.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate
Because criminal records in Tennessee are public, anyone can look them up online. That can make job searches, rental applications, and other opportunities more difficult. If you qualify for expungement, clearing your record can remove those obstacles.
Some situations still require disclosure of past records, even if they’re sealed, such as:
- Applying for jobs in law enforcement or government agencies
- Being involved in a criminal case
- Filing another expungement request
- Applying to law school or becoming a lawyer
It’s important to know when and where your record may still come up. Our team can walk you through what to expect so you can make the right decisions.
Take the First Step Towards a Brighter Future
A criminal record can make life harder in ways you might not expect—whether it’s struggling to get a job, being denied an apartment, or missing out on professional opportunities. If your record is expunged, you can legally say you haven’t been arrested or convicted. That can make a huge difference when filling out job applications or background checks.
If you’re ready to move forward without a past mistake holding you back, our expungement lawyers are here to help. Contact Zanger Law Firm today to find out if you qualify for expungement.
