For years after a criminal incident has passed, the consequences of having a criminal record can affect you. This can make it difficult for you to find a job, enroll in college, receive federal student financial aid, or rent a house. That’s why you should consider sealing criminal records.

Why Should I Have My Records Sealed?

As a result of dropping, dismissing, or being acquitted, you may think your record is automatically cleared. This is not the case. Furthermore, you must ask the courts to have your records sealed. Most people can easily discover personal information about you, including arrests and convictions, via online search tools. Anyone who wants to look into your past—potential employers, landlords, vendors—will have access to your criminal history.

What’s The Difference Between Expunging And Sealing Records?

Expungement and sealing are sometimes used interchangeably. Their definitions differ. In most states, only juveniles may have their records expunged, or, in other words, destroyed. In a sense, the criminal record never existed. Violent crimes, on the other hand, are not eligible to have their records cleared. Adult crimes are the ones excluded from record sealing in our state. Having a criminal record sealed doesn’t mean the record doesn’t exist, it just means that the public cannot see it.

If you have a criminal record and you want to have the records sealed so they won’t show up and have a chance to ruin your future. An attorney can help seal your records and work out the details of your case. Call attorney Michael T Kossen at (303) 791-6500 for help.