Ocean Springs Expungement Lawyer
Ocean Springs Expungement Attorney
A criminal conviction has the power to completely disrupt your life in a very permanent way. If you ever find yourself convicted of a crime, you are going to end up with a criminal record. It could impact your job options, your personal relationships, and your social standing. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, you may find it possible to expunge your criminal record. You may want to reach out to an Ocean Springs expungement lawyer for information.
The legal team at Miller Law Offices can help you determine whether or not your past criminal convictions can qualify for expungement. Mississippi has very specific conditions for expungement, and you need to meet all of them to be considered. A good lawyer can help you figure out whether or not you meet the requirements for expungement. If your conviction was not for a violent crime, you may have a very good chance of being considered.
What Is Expungement?
In 2022, Mississippi recorded 50,466 arrests for both violent and non-violent crimes. Many of these crimes are eligible for expungement. Expungement is a legal act that involves having your past criminal convictions erased from your record, giving you the chance to move forward without a criminal record holding you back from opportunities.
It is somewhat similar to having your criminal record sealed, which involves having your criminal record hidden from the public record but still valid. Expungement gives you a new lease on life by getting your criminal record deleted for good, as long as you qualify.
In Mississippi, certain nonviolent offenders are allowed to apply for expungement of their offenses. The state is selective about who can get their record expunged. If you have received a criminal conviction and already served out your sentence, you may want to reach out to a lawyer and start inquiring about expungement. You may qualify for it and not be aware of it. There are two primary forms of expungement that you could receive if you qualify for it:
- Mandatory expungement. This form of expungement occurs when you meet all the necessary requirements for expungement. The state can grant you an expungement if you file the right paperwork.
- Discretionary expungement. This form of expungement occurs when the court has not yet decided if you are deserving of expungement. A hearing may be held to determine the matter.
Eligibility for Expungement in Mississippi
Many different crimes in Mississippi can be considered for expungement, while others may never be considered due to the violent nature of the crime. Any crime that’s considered violent may never be considered for expungement. These violent crimes include sex offenses, first-degree arson, repeated DUI offenses, embezzlement, and more. These crimes can remain on your criminal record for good, and they cannot be expunged for any reason.
There are, however, many different convictions that could result in expungement in Ocean Springs. If you received a conviction for a nonviolent offense, you may want to reach out to an expungement lawyer to see if you qualify to have your conviction erased from your record. To apply, you need to file a petition with the court and write a statement of moral character that explains why you deserve expungement. You also should obtain two character references and pay the filing fee.
For the most part, any first offense misdemeanor may be expunged, except for traffic tickets in Mississippi. Some nonviolent felonies, such as malicious mischief and larceny, may be expunged, but only if you wait five years after completing the terms of your sentence. Most juvenile offenses are eligible for expungement, as long as the crimes were not violent or resulted in registering as a sex offender.
Expungement petitions can be filed at Ocean Springs Municipal Court (3810 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564). Once a record has been expunged, individuals are restored to the status they had before their offense, and employers, banks, landlords, and other organizations should not see the record.
Get Legal Help
FAQs
Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for Expungement?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer for expungement. Expungement can be a complicated process with many contributing factors. It can be difficult to keep track of everything on your own, especially if you are unfamiliar with the overall process. A good lawyer can help you by taking control of your case and making sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines.
Q: How Do You Get Your Record Expunged in Mississippi?
A: If you want to get your record expunged in Mississippi, you must first find out if you qualify. If you were convicted of any violent crimes, you probably wouldn’t qualify. If you do qualify, you need to file a petition with the court and pay a filing fee. You may also need to write a statement explaining why you feel you deserve expungement. If you decide to move forward without a lawyer, know that the process can be complicated.
Q: How Many Times Can You Expunge a Case in Mississippi?
A: In Mississippi, you may be eligible for multiple expungements for misdemeanor cases, depending on the nature of the offenses. You may only be eligible for expungement of one felony conviction in your entire lifetime. A felony conviction may be expunged five years after serving your sentence, and only if the offense was nonviolent. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get it expunged.
Q: Can a Convicted Felon Get Their Gun Rights Back in Mississippi?
A: Yes, it may be possible for a convicted felon to get their gun rights back in Mississippi. In order to do this, you need to get a certificate of rehabilitation from the court you were convicted in. To qualify, you should complete all conditions ordered by the court, pay any outstanding fines, and be considered law-abiding in the eyes of the court. If you are deemed a threat to public safety, you likely won’t get the certificate.
Reach Out to an Expungement Lawyer Today
If you qualify for expungement, you could be given a new lease on life when you have your conviction expunged. Without a criminal record, you can have the opportunity to move forward with your life without worrying about your past. A good lawyer can look into your situation and help you determine if expungement is a possibility for you.
The legal team at Miller Law Offices can help you build a strong case that supports your expungement. We can help gather references, protect your interests, and provide you with consistent help and support. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about a consultation.
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