Can I erase a criminal record and how?

Question

I made mistakes in my life, one over 20 years ago and one 8 years ago. One was false reporting the other theft by unlawful taking. Not to justify what I did, but it was due to being a victim of circumstance and the charges still haunt me when coming to get a good job. I am Christian woman, but can't get past these offenses, even though they were a long time ago. ( I have no felonies)

To the first answerer- I wasnt wanting to do anything illegal, I was wondering if there was a legal way.

Answer 1

You have atleast now confessed youeself and realised your mistake, its really good thing you have come out with your open mind. Now I suggest, you cannot bring the old days back, self repentation is itself kind of punishment. Please forget your past and lead peaceful life and see that you extend helpful hands to others in future.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

First you can never erase a criminal record. You will have a permanent record in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Even if you seal your records which I totally think is a waste of money, certain agencies in this country (particularly Governmental, Law Enforcement) can access sealed records and or request information from you regarding them. If you fail to disclose that you were charged with a crime on a companies application and the company specifically asked you about criminal activity during the application process, your failure to disclose that information will subject you to immediate termination. This is what I would do in your situation. Be honest and disclose what occurred on the job application if it asks questions pertaining to criminal activity. Secondly , if the employer doesn't ask questions pertaining to criminal activity then you're not obligated to disclose that information. However if they later come to you and ask you either verbally and or by written verification, then by all means disclose that information at that particular time. It's unfortunate that these events occurred in your life when you were younger. I dealt with cases just like yours during my fifteen years of public service and my heart goes out to you. Many people who are young don't realize that their juvenile record carries over into adulthood and all records are accessible. You need to explain to the employer that you're remorseful about the past events and show them that you have corrected those mistakes and maintained a good work record and or crime free background since the date of your last charge. Hopefully someone will give you a chance. The only other option is to obtain as much education as possible, if you haven't already done so. I would certainly suggest having at least some form of high level education. That can only benefit you in the long run. I hope this helps you and good luck.

Answer 4

No, you really can't get your criminal record erased. Sometimes you can get it suppressed, but you'd have to ask a lawyer about that. The best thing you can do is be thankful you've changed your behaviors and move on.

You say you're a Christian woman, if that means to you what it does to me, it means you've asked Christ to forgive you of all of your sin and take over as being in charge of your life. If that happened, then His forgiveness is much more important than the world's.

Most cases when an application or whatnot asks if you have a criminal history, they give you a chance to explain. As an employer, I know I'd be much more willing to take someone on if they were upfront about what happened. If you admit that what you did was wrong (as you do), then you weren't just a victim of circumstance, but you have the choice to leave that in the past and move on. Most employers are really interested if you've ever been convicted of a felony, though.. not a misdemeanor.

Also, they are allowed and it's not illegal to deny you work for a criminal past. It'd be ridiculous if a company was required to hire thieves and bank robbers- think about it, it doesn't make sense.

Answer 5

That is why people try and keep their noses clean because it does and will come back to haunt.

If either CRIME was committed while you were a minor you can get that taken care of but not the adult stuff.

You talking about shop lifting?

If I were the potential employer and the 20 years ago was the extend of your criminal record I would probably just look to your present. But then 8 years ago you got in trouble again and I would wonder when your next "victim of circumstance" act might happen.

Answer 6

No, there is no way to erase a criminal record. But so long as you maintain a clean record, few people will hold it against you, especially if they were not felonies. 8 years is a long time. Work hard, prove yourself, and don't worry about it. If you can't get over it, then see a counselor. Good luck!

Answer 7

I think you'd have to say what they are and what state you live in. For example I had some speeding tickets on my record and a few other traffic related incidents. But after 5 years they were erased from my record. So, there are guidelines, it just depends on what you are referring to.

Check the link out for some information on expunging a record.

Answer 8

If these were convictions, then they are on your permanent record. If the issue comes up during a job interview, talk about how your life has changed since making these mistakes.

Answer 9

this is the deal

if you record is in the large data bases of companies that sell public data to employers and landlords even if you have it expunged that will not remove the data only a pardon can

Answer 10

I've heard of getting things "expunged" from records. I'm sure it involves $$$, but I'm not sure how you would go about this process.

Not to mention, it sucks that employers still hold that crap over your head and many others. THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO. ITS ILLEGAL.

I would call an atty. to see if they know how it's done. GOOD LUCK hun, I'm sure you're a good person;)