Expungement Law in Oklahoma and You
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 64.3% of adults in Oklahoma have a criminal record. This means that over two-thirds of Oklahomans will be charged with a criminal offense at least once in their lifetime.
This is a staggering statistic, and it is important to remember that a criminal record can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can make it difficult to get a job, find housing, and obtain loans. It can also lead to social stigma and discrimination. The expunging records is an opportunity for offenders to have a fresh start.
If you have a criminal record, it is important to know your rights and options. You may be eligible for expungement, which can clear your record and give you a second chance.
What is Expungement?
Expungement is the process of sealing or destroying your criminal record. Once your record is expunged, it is as if it never happened. You will no longer have to disclose it on job applications, rental applications, or other forms.
Who is Eligible for Expungement?
In Oklahoma, there are a number of crimes that are eligible for expungement. These include:
Misdemeanors
Certain felonies, such as those committed when you were a juvenile
Crimes that were dismissed or acquitted
Crimes that were the result of a false accusation
To be eligible for expungement, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements vary depending on the type of crime you were convicted of.
Benefits of Expungement
There are many benefits to having your criminal record expunged. These include:
Improved employment opportunities
Increased housing options
Reduced financial costs
Improved credit score
Increased self-esteem
Reduced stress
How to Get Your Record Expunged
The expungement process in Oklahoma is a legal process that allows you to have your criminal record erased. This means that your criminal record will no longer be accessible to the public, including potential employers and landlords.
To be eligible for expungement in Oklahoma, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have completed your sentence, including probation and parole.
You must have paid all fines and court costs associated with your conviction.
You must have not been convicted of any other crimes since your original conviction.
You must have waited a certain period of time since your conviction. The waiting period varies depending on the type of crime you were convicted of.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can file a petition for expungement with the court. The court will then hold a hearing to determine whether or not to grant your petition. If the court grants your petition, your criminal record will be expunged.
The expungement process can be complex, so it is important to have an experienced criminal attorney on your side. An attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you at your hearing.
Here are some of the benefits of expunging your criminal record:
You may be more likely to get a job. Many employers do criminal background checks on potential employees. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to get a job, even if you have the qualifications for the position.
You may be able to rent an apartment. Many landlords also do criminal background checks on potential tenants. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to rent an apartment, even if you have a good rental history.
You may be able to improve your credit score. A criminal record can make it difficult to get a loan or credit card. Having your criminal record expunged can improve your credit score and make it easier to get loans and credit cards in the future.
You may be able to travel internationally. Some countries have restrictions on who can enter their country. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to travel to certain countries. Having your criminal record expunged can make it easier to travel internationally.
If you are interested in expunging your criminal record, the first step is to contact a criminal attorney. An attorney can review your case and determine if you are eligible for expungement. If you are, the attorney can help you through the expungement process.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about expungement in Oklahoma:
Expungement is not available for all types of crimes. Some serious crimes, such as murder and rape, are not eligible for expungement.
Expungement is not a guarantee that you will be able to get a job, rent an apartment, or travel internationally. However, it can make it easier to do these things.
Expungement can be expensive. The cost of hiring a criminal attorney and filing the necessary paperwork can add up.
If you are considering expunging your criminal record, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Expungement can be a beneficial process, but it is important to understand the limitations and costs involved.
Meason & Ramsey Law
Meason & Ramsey Law is a criminal defense law firm that specializes in expungement law. We have helped hundreds of people clear their criminal records and move on with their lives.
If you are interested in expunging your criminal record, contact Meason & Ramsey Law today for a free consultation. We will review your case and determine if you are eligible for expungement. If you are, we will help you through the expungement process and get your record cleared.
We offer a wide range of expungement services, including:
Expungement consultations
Expungement preparation
Expungement representation
Our fees are based on a sliding scale, so we can work with clients of all income levels. We also offer payment plans to make our services more affordable.
Don't let your criminal record hold you back. Contact Meason & Ramsey Law today and let us help you clear your record and move on with your life.
For an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact Meason & Ramsey Law today!
Meason & Ramsey Law provides a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. Our focus is criminal law (felony and misdemeanors). We specialize in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law, Probate Law. We are currently accepting cases in Washington, Nowata and Osage counties. Meason & Ramsey Law has family lawyers, divorce lawyers, probate lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, DUI & DWI lawyers, co-counsel lawyers, family attorneys, divorce attorneys, probate attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, DUI & DWI attorneys and co-counsel attorneys. Marty Meason and Rodney D. Ramsey, Attorneys
Meason & Ramsey Law
515 Delaware Ave
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-336-6300
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