In the US, around 70 to 100 million people have a criminal record. Many of them find it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain an apartment or a job or to qualify for some form of government assistance.

You may be able to delete your criminal record entirely or partially based on the charges or convictions on papers, but it’s not always an easy procedure.

There are other ways to have your record sealed or deleted, but petitioning the appropriate government agency is the most common method of doing so. How do you go about applying? And who is eligible for this? 

What Is The Process For Sealing Or Erasing My Criminal Record?

To begin, you’ll need to look into your criminal record. You may find that information on Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC, which gives the public access to court documents by just inputting your personal information. If nothing comes up, your record may already be sealed, but if you want to be sure, fill out the “Request for Individual Access and Review” form and send it to the state Police.

You can next determine if you are eligible for your record to be sealed or erased. Then, according to Gullen, the process for having your history erased or sealed is the same, except for additional documentation. Both forms are available online and need information such as your name, address, and records data.

When the paperwork is ready, it must be filed with the court in the county where You brought the accusations against you. Once the petition is approved, it is submitted to a judge for signature, after which the courts forward the papers to local and state police and other authorities. It’s harder to find out what’s on your record and how to file everything than it is actually to go through the steps.

However, local legal aid groups such as Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC can examine your case and discuss multiple alternatives if you require assistance. It’s the only way to get justice on time because if you go ahead without a professional’s help, you may have to wait for many years.