An expungement is a court ordered destruction/sealing of a person’s legal records related to an arrest, charges filed or of eligible convicted crimes.
Criminal records can hold you back, personally and professionally. The following areas can be affected if you have a criminal record:
- Employment: Employers often run criminal records checks during the screening process. If a record exists, then you may be eliminated as a potential employee before you even have the chance to interview.
- Professional Licensing: Professional licensing boards in South Carolina (including those that issue nursing, real estate, and teaching licenses) are required to run background checks on applicants. Even if you have invested time and money into your education, you may not be able to practice your trade until you have a cleared criminal record.
- Housing: Landlords routinely run background checks on applicants who want to rent property. If you have a criminal record, you may be prohibited from living in areas that you would like.
- Student aid: Students that have worked hard but have criminal records may be ineligible to receive scholarships, grants, and financial aid.
- Volunteer activities: Organizations that provide services to “vulnerable populations” (i.e. children and older adults) are running background checks on volunteers now more than ever before. If you would like to volunteer at your child’s school or church, you may not be allowed to do so until your criminal record is clear.
Talking to an experienced attorney about your criminal record is the first step in identifying whether you are eligible to have your record expunged.
Blackwelder Law wants to help you achieve your dreams. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you move on with your life.