A criminal record often makes it more difficult to find housing or employment. Whether the result of a clerical error or some other issue, mistakes can pop up in an individual’s criminal record from time to time. Needless to say, if such errors exist, working under criminal law to get them removed from your record should be a top priority. 

3 Steps for Addressing Inaccurate Charges Under Criminal Law

1. Obtain All Necessary Documents

Whether charges are misclassified, or the wrong date is listed, you will need to provide proof of the error to get a change made on your record. In Alabama, petitioners need to provide a certified criminal history record, and then either a certified record of arrest, a certified record of disposition, or a certified record of the case action summary.

2. Provide Proof of the Error

The supporting documents generally have the information necessary to prove the error. You will need to send these documents to the agency that is reporting the information for your background check. Also, you will need to provide that agency with a written statement explaining the discrepancy that you’d like to have fixed. A lawyer can help you state your case and determine who this information should be sent to.

3. Petition for Expungement

Expungement is another criminal law option that can remove certain charges from the public record. In Alabama, non-felony charges and nonviolent felony charges can be expunged if charges were dismissed with prejudice, if you were found not guilty, or if charges were dismissed without prejudice, and you have not had other convictions within a set time frame. Other situations may also apply based on your specific charges.

If you have been convicted of a crime and need an expert defense attorney to navigate the criminal law process, contact Angela L. Walker PC Law Office in Foley, AL. With over 20 years of legal experience, this criminal defense lawyer has helped clients protect their rights when facing DUI charges, drug offenses, and more. To learn more or to request legal advice, visit her online or call (251) 970-2575.