Expungement Attorneys in Festus, MO, Giving You a New Lease of Life

A criminal record can cause a constant and permanent effect on your reputation. It could become even worse if you served time for the crime, even if it’s only for a few months for a small offense. Judgement by others can be harsh, and sometimes as far as the world is concerned, you’re an ex-con.

This can prevent you from enjoying your basic rights as a Missourian. In most cases, companies routinely look up your criminal history as part of their vetting process whether you are attempting to rent a home or get a job or acquire healthcare insurance.

People without criminal histories often stand a better chance of getting good jobs, more affordable insurance, and renting or buying homes. Individuals with previous criminal records frequently struggle with these basic needs.

This is where expungements in Missouri can help. If you have a criminal history and are wondering if your records can be sealed or erased, we can help you determine if it can be done, which it often can, under certain circumstances.

Come talk to Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law. As experienced expungement lawyers in Jefferson County, MO, we’ve helped many clients, and we may be able to help you.

If you’re interested, feel free to call us today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation

What are Expungements in Missouri?

In Missouri, expungement is the process of having your records sealed or closed so that the public can no longer access them.

The 2018 Expungements Law in Missouri created a huge opportunity for people with a criminal history to seal their records. This opportunity basically gives them a new lease on life.

The law currently covers 1900 eligible offenses. So, if your crime is on that list of expungeable offenses, you have a strong chance of getting that record sealed.

While the law (which went into effect in January 2018) covers a lot of offenses, there are some that are not covered. You’ll want to consult with an experienced expungement lawyer to see if your particular offense is on the list.

Benefits of Expungements in Missouri

One of the biggest disadvantages of a criminal record is that it affects everything else in your life, from finances to living arrangements to even choosing a life partner.

Missouri’s new expungements law gives you a new opportunity to start fresh. This is a rarity and an opportunity that you should take seriously.

Some of the benefits of Missouri’s expungement law include, chances at:

• Improved job and employment opportunities
• Better mortgage and financing rates
• Lower insurance rates
• Better healthcare access
• The possibility to leave the negative history out of your applications
• More freedom in your daily activities

There’s a lot of opportunities that this new law might grant you, and you should take advantage of it immediately.

What Types of Records Can Be Expunged in Missouri?

Understanding whether you have a case for expungement means knowing which offenses MAY be relevant to the new law. A lawyer will help you understand if you’re eligible to have your records expunged or not, but some eligible cases might include:

• 3 and 7-year statute of limitations for misdemeanors and felonies (as compared to the previous 10 and 20 years respectively)
• First time conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Arrests that were made based on false information
• Arrest for a misdemeanor motor vehicle offense
• Certain types of felonies and misdemeanors

The process of filing for expungements is best left for experienced expungement lawyers to handle.

What Offenses are Ineligible for Expungement in Missouri?

Even though there are many offenses that can be expunged, there are some that are likely ineligible. Some of these include:

• Class A felonies
• Sex offender related crimes
• Homicide related convictions
• Dangerous felonies
• Driving related offense while owning a commercial driver’s license
• Being a repeat offender for some of the offenses on the expungement list
• Already having another misdemeanor or felony conviction on your record
• Pending civil action against the offense you’re looking to file an expungement for
• Multiple DWI offenses

How Can You Expunge Your Records in Missouri?

If you are interested in getting your record expunged, your best bet is to contact us at Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law. As skilled criminal defense lawyers in Festus, MO, we understand all the terms of expungement and their accompanying processes.

Contact us today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation about the possibility of getting your records expunged.