Waveland Expungement Lawyer

Waveland Expungement Attorney

If you’re seeking a fresh start and a clean criminal record, Miller Law Offices can help. Our team of Waveland expungement lawyers is dedicated to helping individuals seal or expunge criminal records to start fresh. Whether it’s a felony or a misdemeanor, the shadow of a criminal record can interfere with your ability to find work, secure housing, or pursue an education. If you’re eligible for expungement, we can fight to help you obtain a clear record to start over.

What Does Expungement Mean?

In legal terms, the act of sealing or removing a criminal record from public view is known as expungement. When a record is expunged, it is as if the offense never occurred in the first place. When employers, landlords, schools, or even the general public try to access your criminal history records, they won’t see any past offenses. However, certain government entities or law enforcement agencies may still retain access.

In Mississippi, expungement is governed by a set of specific statutes that determine eligibility based on the offense, the amount of time lapsed, and your criminal history. These laws change from time to time. In 2021, Mississippi lawmakers proposed 22 new expungement bills. That same year, 25 of 50 states passed new expungement laws. Navigating this process can be complicated, but an experienced Waveland expungement lawyer can give you a better chance of success.

Types of Expungement in Waveland

At Miller Law Offices, we handle various types of expungement cases. These include:

• Non-conviction expungements. If you were arrested but not convicted, there’s a chance your record would be expunged immediately. Even if you weren’t convicted, an arrest still shows up on your record unless you take the steps necessary to have that record expunged.
• Misdemeanor convictions. Most misdemeanor convictions that are not traffic violations can be expunged after a certain waiting period, usually around five years after sentence completion. However, only one misdemeanor conviction may be expunged in a lifetime for those over 21 years of age. Eligible offenses may include:
  • Petty theft
  • Simple, non-domestic assault
  • Public intoxication
  • Trespassing
  • Disorderly conduct
  • First DUI conviction
• Mississippi permits the expungement of certain felony convictions under limited circumstances. Eligible offenses may include:
  • Bad check charges
  • Non-violent drug possession
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Malicious mischief
• Youthful offender expungement. If you’ve committed a crime before your 21st birthday, you may qualify for expungement even if the offense would be otherwise ineligible. This includes misdemeanor charges and certain felonies.

In 2020-2021, Mississippi courts expunged 8,875 records.

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Expungement Eligibility in Waveland, Mississippi

Eligibility for expungement in Mississippi depends on the type of offense, whether the charge resulted in a conviction, and your age at the time of the offense. The courts also consider how much time has passed since you completed your sentencing. Your overall criminal history is also taken into consideration.

A Waveland expungement lawyer at Miller Law Offices can review your case to determine your eligibility. We can assess your records, explain legal options, and help you file your petition for expungement.

The Process of Pursuing Expungement in Waveland

The dedicated legal team at Miller Law Offices can walk you through every step of the expungement process, keeping you informed of your rights and legal options. These steps include:

Step 1. We begin by providing a thorough review of your criminal record and court documents to determine if you’re eligible for expungement.

Step 2. Once eligibility is confirmed, we prepare a formal petition for expungement with the appropriate court. If your case was seen locally, the petition would go to the Pass Christian Municipal Court at 105 Hiern Avenue.

Step 3. A judge may schedule a hearing to consider your petition. Our lawyers can represent you in court, presenting evidence and making the case as to why expungement is appropriate.

Step 4. If the judge approves the petition, the court issues the record to be expunged. Your expungement attorney can ensure all relevant agencies comply and that your record is fully sealed.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Remove a Criminal Charge From Your Background Check in Mississippi?

A: To remove a criminal charge from your background check, you need to have the record expunged. In Mississippi, expungement legally erases or seals certain eligible offenses, meaning they no longer appear on standard background checks.

Start by reviewing your criminal history and verifying if your charge qualifies. If you’re eligible, file a petition for expungement. If approved, the record is removed from general public databases, though it may still appear for certain government agencies.

Q: Can Judges See Expunged Records in Mississippi?

A: Yes, even if your record has been expunged, Mississippi judges can still access the criminal record under specific circumstances. Expunged records are sealed from public view and standard background checks, but they may be unsealed for court-related matters, such as sentencing in future cases or determining your eligibility for certain legal privileges.

Q: Can All Felonies Be Expunged?

A: Not all felonies can be expunged in Mississippi. State law allows certain non-violent felonies, such as embezzlement, larceny, or drug possession, to be expunged. An individual must also wait five years after completing all sentence terms, including parole or probation, before applying.

Only one felony expungement is allowed in a person’s lifetime. An expungement attorney can help you determine if your specific offense qualifies for expungement and can also give you a stronger chance of having a successful outcome.

Q: How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record in Mississippi?

A: A felony remains on your criminal record permanently in Waveland, Mississippi unless it is expunged. If your offense qualifies for expungement, you may petition the court for removal five years after completing your sentence. This includes probation and fines. Until the expungement is granted, the felony will still show up on background checks for employment, housing, or other purposes. Some felonies, especially violent or serious crimes, cannot be expunged at all.

Contact a Waveland Expungement Lawyer Today

If you’re looking to clear your name for employment, housing, or education reasons, a Waveland expungement lawyer at Miller Law Offices has extensive experience in helping their clients regain hope for the future. We understand that expungement is more than legal relief. It’s about restoring dignity and getting a second chance.

Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation, and let us prepare you for the expungement process and a brighter future.

See Related Posts:

• How To Expunge a DUI in Mississippi?
• DUI Laws in Mississippi – Drunk Driving Penalties [2025 Updated]
• Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in Mississippi?