Bay St. Louis Expungement Lawyer

Bay St. Louis Expungement Attorney

When you are convicted of a crime, you end up with a criminal record. Unfortunately, a criminal record doesn’t just go away on its own. It stays with you forever, impacting your job opportunities, affecting your personal relationships, and hanging over you like a dark cloud. It can be tough to move on from your past when your record follows you wherever you go. If this is your situation, you may want to speak with a Bay St. Louis expungement lawyer.

At Miller Law Offices, we have assisted many clients like you. We can help you clear or seal your criminal records, removing certain offenses from public view.

How Does Expungement Work?

Expungement is the legal act of having your past criminal conviction removed from your record and effectively erased forever. It’s considerably different from sealing a criminal conviction, which restricts the conviction from public access but still keeps it in your criminal record. Expungement is effectively deleting the record as if it had never happened. It restores your record to pristine condition and lets you move forward without a criminal conviction impacting you.

The state of Mississippi allows for certain nonviolent convictions to be expunged, but the state is very selective about who is considered eligible for expungement. If you have been convicted of a crime and served your sentence, you may want to look into the possibility of expungement. Depending on the details of your conviction, you may not qualify for it, but it doesn’t hurt to at least consult with an expungement lawyer and look into the possibility. There are two forms of expungement:

• Mandatory expungement. In this case, you meet all the requirements for expungement and the state can grant it if you provide the necessary documentation.
• Discretionary expungement. In this case, a hearing may be scheduled, and a judge can decide whether you deserve to have your record expunged.

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Which Crimes Are Eligible for Expungement in Mississippi?

Greater than one in four Mississippi residents have a criminal record, with over one in ten carrying a felony conviction. Criminal records impact a significant number of people, affecting work opportunities, relationships, and community reputation.

There are many different kinds of crimes that may be eligible for expungement in Mississippi. Above all, any crime that’s considered violent may not be considered eligible for expungement. These crimes include violent crimes, arson, sex offenses, drug trafficking, repeated DUI offenses, unlawful firearm possession, embezzlement, voyeurism, and abuse of a vulnerable person. These crimes can stay on your record forever.

There are multiple convictions, however, that could result in expungement. To apply for expungement, you need to file a petition with the court. From there, you would write a personal statement of moral character since the offense, get two character references, pay the required processing fee, and wait for the court’s response. You may need to appear for a hearing. Here are some of the convictions that may be eligible for expungement in Mississippi:

• Misdemeanors. Generally, any first offense misdemeanor can be expunged in Mississippi except for traffic tickets. If you have more than one first offense misdemeanor conviction and they occurred at the same time, you could get them expunged.
• Felonies. Only certain felonies may be considered eligible for expungement in Mississippi. These include bad checks, felony shoplifting, larceny, false pretense, malicious mischief, and simple possession of drugs or paraphernalia. You are also required to wait a full five years after completing the terms of your sentence before applying for expungement.
• Juvenile offenses. The majority of crimes committed while you were a minor may be eligible for expungement, with the exception of any violent crimes and/or offenses that resulted in registering as a sex offender.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Expungement Lawyer Cost in Mississippi?

A: The amount that an expungement lawyer might cost in Mississippi is entirely dependent on the details of your case. Generally, the more difficult and complex your case is, the more your expungement lawyer may charge you for their services and the resources they have to use to help you. You should discuss fees during your first consultation with your lawyer.

Q: Can I File for Expungement Without a Lawyer in Mississippi?

A: Yes, you can file for expungement without a lawyer in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Understand that expungement can be a long, complicated process. You may not fully understand all the elements required of you, and navigating the process without legal help can be very difficult. You may want to consult with a lawyer simply so you don’t miss any crucial step in the expungement process.

Q: What Is the Most Recent Expungement Law in Mississippi?

A: The most recent expungement law introduced in Mississippi requires a convicted felon to wait five years after fulfilling the terms of their sentences before filing for an expungement of their record. To be considered eligible, the convicted felon in question has to prove that they have been rehabilitated, they cannot have committed a violent crime, and they have to have paid all court costs in full. A knowledgeable Bay St. Louis expungement lawyer can help you understand the details.

Q: What Crimes Cannot Be Expunged in Mississippi?

A: There are many different crimes that cannot be expunged in Mississippi. Particularly, any violent felonies cannot be expunged. These include assault, murder, rape, burglary, robbery, and manslaughter. Other crimes that aren’t expungable include first-degree arson, drug trafficking, repeated DUI offenses, intimidating witnesses, and any crime that resulted in registering as a sex offender. Your lawyer can help you determine if your conviction is eligible for expungement or not.

Reach Out to an Experienced Expungement Lawyer Today

Expungement offers certain convicted individuals an opportunity for a fresh start that they might not otherwise receive. A criminal record can keep you from certain job opportunities or deter you from housing prospects. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, you may be eligible to try and get your life back under your own control. An experienced lawyer can look into your case and let you know if there’s the potential for expungement of your crime.

The legal team at Miller Law Offices can provide you with the tools you need to pursue expungement. We can help you build a strong case for yourself, gather character references, and ensure that your interests are protected. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case.

See Related Posts:

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