Having a criminal record can make life rather difficult. Everything from finding a new place to live, getting a new job, or even obtaining a professional license can all become substantially difficult if you have an arrest or conviction on your record. Luckily, in Mississippi, it is possible to request that your arrest or conviction be expunged, allowing you to keep your past where it belongs.
If you are tired of your criminal record holding you back from moving forward with your life, continue reading to learn more about what records are eligible for expungement.
Is My Criminal Record Eligible for Expungement?
An expungement can keep any arrests or convictions you might have away from the public, which means your potential new landlord or boss will no longer be able to view it upon requesting a background check. However, not all arrests and convictions are eligible for this. If you were arrested and released and your case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, or there was no disposition of the case, your record would be eligible for expungement.
Other circumstances in which your record would be eligible for expungement include:
- You were arrested, cited, or held for a misdemeanor and the charges were dismissed.
- You were a first-time offender convicted of a misdemeanor, other than a traffic violation.
- You were arrested, cited, or held for a felony and the charges were dismissed.
- You were convicted of a DUI and you did not refuse the test or blow over 0.16
What if I Was Convicted of a Felony?
If you were convicted of a felony, there are only a handful of charges that are eligible for expungement in Mississippi and you must wait five years after you have successfully completed all terms of your sentence.
Eligible offenses include:
- A bad check offense
- Possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia
- False pretense
- Shoplifting
- Larceny
- Malicious mischief
Moreover, you are only permitted one expungement under this law. Additionally, most felony convictions are eligible for expungement if you were under the age of 21 when you committed the crime, though you must first wait five years after successfully completing the terms of your sentence in order to apply.
Crimes Ineligible for Expungement
Not all crimes are eligible for expungement. The following convictions are not able to be expunged from your record:
- Any crime that requires an individual to register as a sex offender
- If you are convicted of a crime as a public official and it related to your official duties
If your record is eligible for expungement, or you are unsure if it is eligible, you should consider hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney to assist you throughout this often complex process.
Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys in Starkville
We all have a past and, for some, that past includes a criminal record, which can make even the simplest things, such as job-hunting, harder to accomplish. At Vollor Law Firm, P.A., we understand how hard it is to move forward with your life when you have a criminal record, which is why we are here to provide the legal guidance you need to expunge your record and live a life that is unhindered by something you have long since put behind you.
Get started today and reach out to Vollor Law Firm, P.A., P.A. at (662) 269-6188 to request your free initial case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys.
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