With so many laws being passed and repealed every day, it’s hard to keep up. And while most people are unaware of new laws being passed in their state, there is one new law that many cannot afford to ignore. Criminal record expungement is now legal in several states across the country. This new law allows prior offenders to seal or restrict their prior arrests and convictions from public view. The benefits of this law are endless, but not all states have passed it yet. Read on to learn more about expungement and which states have passed the law.
Criminal record expungement
New expungement laws have the potential to dramatically change people’s lives. With certain criminal records hanging over a person’s head and lingering on their public record, there are certain consequences. In addition to stigma and criminal prosecution, a criminal record can prevent a person from obtaining any benefits that require a background check. This includes applying for a loan, renting an apartment, getting a job, and more. Now, in cooperating states, people have the opportunity to seal or restrict these criminal records from the public, with the exception of police and government officials. This allows people to take advantage of certain benefits, such as better jobs and home loans, and live a better life.
Most states have adopted this new expungement law, but some are still on the backburner. Since most states have neither passed nor enacted this new law, it is more efficient to list those that have so far. Here is a list of states that allow cancellation:
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Indiana
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Arizona
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California
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Colorado
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Connecticut
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Florida
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Illinois
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Missouri
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new hampshire
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New Jersey
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New York
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Oregon
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Ohio
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Utah
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Texas
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Tennessee
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Washington
Although these states have passed the law, it is not a permanent law. You have only been approved for a trial period. And since there are several who oppose this law, it is not known when or if it will be repealed. This means that it is important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. The only drawback is that not everyone will qualify for expungement. There are guidelines that one must adhere to in order to be eligible to hide or delete their records. That is why it is necessary to hire a licensed criminal attorney for accurate and professional help. A person can only file a return once in her life, and only one mistake can take away that possibility. An attorney can determine his eligibility and make sure everything is done accurately.
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