Expungement Attorney in Manassas, VA
The pressure, the negative social reputation, and even the work and living restrictions that come with a criminal conviction can be a lot for anyone to handle. No matter what consequences you may have served for your conviction, the stigma attached to your record can leave you feeling like a criminal for a lifetime. Your past, however, does not define your present or your future. With the help of a Manassas expungement lawyer, you can chart a new path.
Morrison Brown PLC Is Here to Work for You
At the law firm of Morrison Brown PLC, our team of dedicated legal professionals is proud to have cultivated a practice that prioritizes giving the necessary attention to our clients with an approach of unwavering commitment. Our criminal defense lawyers have decades of combined experience in helping others, utilizing a deep well of legal knowledge and real-world insights.
Understanding What Expungement Is in Manassas
Expungement is a legal process through which an individual can petition for the courts to privatize their criminal record. If someone is successful in their request for expungement, records of their crime will be sealed and inaccessible to the public. Expungement laws in Virginia typically pertain to charges that were dismissed, but in recent years, certain low-level felonies and misdemeanor convictions are now eligible for expungement.
It’s also important to note that expungement does not destroy a criminal record but instead suppresses it from being seen by the public, such as within background checks. Many expunged records are still viewable by law enforcement agencies because the court can add certain permissions within expungement cases. These are instances where expungement may be able to be granted:
- Dismissals with prejudice, without prejudice, or by accord and satisfaction
- Dismissals pursuant to a deferral into a first-time offender program
- Not guilty findings
- Arrests that did not result in a criminal conviction
- Some juvenile convictions
- Charges for which you were later given an absolute pardon for
- Charges on your record that were a case of identity fraud or mistaken identity
- Class 5 or 6 felony convictions
- Misdemeanor convictions
- Grand larceny, which is an unclassified offense
If you’re unsure whether your situation may be eligible, be sure to consult with a Manassas expungement attorney. Expungements are considered a civil court matter and not a criminal case. Expungement petitions in the Manassas, Virginia, area are most likely to be processed at the Prince William County Circuit Court. The county’s Circuit Court Civil Division is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110-5598.
Why Should I Hire an Expungement Lawyer?
There are several benefits that expunging your record can have on your life. Expungement allows you to seal away records of an arrest, charges, and even some convictions. This means the criminal records are no longer viewable by the public, including those who may run a background check on you. Examples include potential employers, landlords, and educational institutions.
With an expunged record, you are more likely to have more opportunities available to you. In addition to being more likely to earn more in wages, one source found that those who got their record expunged were much less likely to commit subsequent crimes. Among those who are eligible for expungement, only about 6.5 percent of people obtain it within five years of qualifying.
To give yourself the strongest chance of a successful outcome to your expungement petition, it’s highly recommended that you hire an expungement lawyer. The process can be difficult and time-consuming. By working with a qualified legal professional, you can avoid making mistakes and further dragging out your case.
Choose Morrison Brown PLC for Your Expungement Case
The team at Morrison Brown PLC has assisted countless clients with criminal proceedings and through the expungement process over the years. We understand that no two clients are alike, with every individual having unique circumstances and their own personal needs. Our attorneys can work closely with you to develop an approach that reflects your priorities and brings you closer to a positive outcome in your expungement case.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Record Expunged in VA?
A: The fee in Virginia to file for expungement is just under $100 per charge. How much you may pay in attorney fees can vary widely depending on several factors. Legal fees can be influenced by the experience of your lawyer, the complexity of your case, and other relevant details. There may also be other court costs. You can ask your lawyer for a more accurate estimate of how much your case may cost.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for Expungement in Virginia?
A: Virginia law does not require that you work with a lawyer to file an expungement petition. However, it can be incredibly helpful to work with an attorney who is qualified and has experience with the expungement process. Petitioning for expungement can be very daunting, but by working with a lawyer, you can streamline the process. An expungement lawyer understands the various requirements, is familiar with the legal procedures, and knows what the court is looking for.
Q: Who Can Qualify for Expungement in Virginia?
A: In Virginia, there are restrictions about what instances may qualify for expungement and whether a person may be seen as eligible. Among other requirements, to qualify, you must never have committed a high-level felony and not have any felony conviction within a certain number of years. Generally, you’re only allowed two expungements, and upon being granted a second expungement, you are no longer eligible. The record itself must also qualify, including, for example, dismissals, misdemeanor convictions, or not-guilty findings.
Q: How Long Does the Expungement Process Take in Virginia?
A: In Virginia, the expungement petitioning process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to finish. It’s difficult to determine how long exactly your case may take to complete, but an experienced lawyer can give you a fairly accurate estimation. Certain factors can influence the timeline of your case, such as how complicated the issue is and the court’s current caseload.
Manassas Expungement Lawyer
Feel confident about your expungement case when you work with the legal team at Morrison Brown PLC. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable and dedicated criminal defense lawyer.
