If the courts convict you of a crime, you may believe it will be on your record forever. However, this is not always the case. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can sometimes clear your criminal record through a process called expungement. Here’s what you should know about how the process works in Tennessee.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that seals the criminal records of an arrest or conviction. It erases the offense in the eyes of the law and makes the records unavailable through normal methods. This means that employers conducting background checks cannot access them. However, courts and law enforcement agencies can still retrieve the information if there is an active investigation into a person.

What Are the Benefits?

If you receive an expungement for your records, you can legally say that you have never had a criminal conviction. This answer is extremely significant, as it is a typical question on applications for jobs, housing, loans, professional licenses, and other documentation.

Answering “yes” to this question can result in a denial of your application. When you answer “no,” the likelihood that the interested party will accept your application increases significantly.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

An attorney can review the circumstances of your case to determine if you qualify for expungement. In accordance with Tennessee state law, you may be eligible if your arrest did not result in a charge or if the court dismissed the charges against you. You may also be eligible after a verdict of “not guilty.” There’s also a possibility you’ll qualify if a grand jury dismisses the charges against you due to a lack of evidence.

If your attorney thinks you qualify, they’ll file a petition with the court explaining why you are worthy of expungement. If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order of expungement and the arrest or conviction will be sealed from your record.

If you’re interested in filing for expungement, contact Kevin R. Bryant Attorney at Law in Crossville, TN. For more than 16 years, this seasoned attorney has been providing clients throughout the Cumberland County area with outstanding legal representation in criminal cases, civil litigation, family and divorce law, and more. Visit his website for a full list of services. Call (931) 787-1004 to schedule an appointment.