Can You Have Your Criminal Record Expunged In Rhode Island? Anyone that has been convicted of a crime can consider having their criminal record expunged. You will find your criminal record will show its ugly head every time someone does a criminal background check on your name, this can be for a new job, new rental property or for other various reasons.
The good news is that if you live in Rhode Island, it is possible to have your record expunged, but here are some essential facts you need to know before making any final decisions. It's recommended you discuss your needs with an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney to see how they can assist you in moving forward. Before you can look into the possibility of criminal record expungement in Rhode Island, you have to understand what it is. This is a process that seals a criminal record. The criminal record is from a first-time offender. The legal record regarding your arrest is literally erased and isn't visible in background checks anymore. The record does remain in effect and visible to Immigration departments, FBI and other government agencies. You have to wait five years if you were convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor conviction in Rhode Island. Only after you have completed your sentencing and probation are you able to consider expungement. In the event, you haven't completed your punishment and penalties, such as not completing your community service or you still have unpaid fines, then you will need to remedy these punishments before you can consider applying for a record expungement. Felony convictions are more serious than misdemeanors. In the event you are convicted of a nonviolent felony, then you cannot have your record expunged for ten years in Rhode Island. Again, you must complete all sentencing, fines, probation and ensure these are all addressed before starting any record expungement process. In addition to this, something you need to take note of if you are looking to have any first-time offense criminal record expunged in Rhode Island is that you can only do so if you have not been convicted of any other crimes since the first conviction. It has to be your only and first conviction in order to be considered for this process. In the event that you violate any parole terms, you will not qualify for expungement, the same as if you are convicted of another crime since this first conviction. Further, you will not qualify in Rhode Island for criminal record expungement if you have committed any crimes of violence. Crimes of violence include burglary, kidnapping, assault,
arson, murder, theft, robbery and manslaughter. Rhode Island has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to violent crimes, but they can be lenient on those first-time offenders of non-violent convictions. There is a set process that needs to be followed when it comes to the expungement of your criminal record, starting with an order that needs to be submitted to the courts. You need to complete any paperwork to secure a hearing. You will want to have your criminal defense attorney by your side during this process, as the paperwork must be completed properly. It is very important when you expunge your criminal record in Rhode Island that you can prove that you deserve to have your criminal record sealed. This includes proving you are of good moral character and make sound decisions, you can prove employment and any volunteer work, etc. If your sentencing included any community service or fines, ensure you have certificates that these have been completed to present to the courts to back up your case and increase the chances of success.
About Us: John R Grasso is an attorney admitted to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is also admitted at the Federal District Courts. He is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and has an experienced support team working at his side to help focus on securing a resolution in the shortest period of time. John Grasso represents criminal defendants on misdemeanors and felony charges throughout the area. He handles a wide range of cases on a daily basis including domestic violence cases, immigration disputes, DUI cases, robberies and so much more. To find out more, visit https://www.johngrassolaw.com.