New Alabama Expungement Law Could Benefit Many Job Seekers

I recently spoke with a client about his job status.  He talked to me about the difficulties he is facing trying to get a new job because of criminal background checks.  He is a very talented and smart guy, but his background checks by potential employers keep showing two arrests from years ago.  These charges were dismissed by the district attorney before the case ever got off the ground.  The client had absolutely nothing to do with the crimes but has suffered the consequences nonetheless.   Good news for this client!  The new Alabama Expungement Law can help him clear these arrests from a criminal background check.  

Beginning in July 2014, the new Alabama Expungement Law goes into effect.  This new law can help people erase their past and move forward into the future. 

What is the Alabama Expungement Law?
A person who has been charged with a felony criminal offense (certain exceptions apply), misdemeanor criminal offense, a traffic violation or a municipal ordinance violation may petition the Circuit Court in the County where the charges were filed, to expunge records relating to the charge if:

1. The charge is dismissed with prejudice; 
2. The charge is no billed by a grand jury; 
3. The person charged was found not guilty of the charge;  
4. The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago (misdemeanors)/five years ago (felonies), has not been refilled, and the person has not been convicted of any other felony or misdemeanor crime, any violation, or any traffic violation, excluding minor traffic violations, during the two previous years.   
5. The charge was dismissed after successful completion of a drug court program, mental health court program, diversion program, veteran’s court, or any court-approved deferred prosecution program after one year from successful completion of the program. 
6. For felonies, ninety days have passed from the date of dismissal with prejudice, no-bill, acquittal, or nolle prosequi and the charge has not been refiled. 

What should you do to expunge your records?
All you need to do is contact me, Andrew Stanley, for a free consultation. You can also use our Alabama Expungement Consultation form any time day or night.  I will confidentially discuss your case with you and describe the services I offer to expunge your record including:

• Preparation of sworn statement
• Obtaining certified case action summary for the case records needing expungement
• Obtaining certified official criminal record from the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
• Preparation and file Petition for Expungement
• Pay Filing and Administrative Filing Fee
• Prepare and file responses to any objections by the district attorney
• Attend any and all related court proceedings

Contact Andrew Stanley today to learn more about the Alabama Expungement Law and your right to clear your record. Mr. Stanley is a Partner with the law firm of Samford & Denson, LLP, which has been helping clients with difficult legal issues throughout Alabama since 1912.

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