The state allows private parties to review the criminal records of individuals. Businesses and people can access information about arrests, criminal charges and criminal convictions. This system is in place for the protection of the public.
Criminal records allow employers, educational institutions and other interested parties to identify potential sources of risk. Landlords, businesses and others who provide services to the public can make informed decisions when they are aware of an individual’s background.
Unfortunately, even minor brushes with the legal system can cause a lifetime of challenges. Some people who are not a danger to society can lose opportunities because of minor prior issues. Thankfully, expungement or record sealing is available in some cases in Alabama. Who might qualify for an expungement?
Expungement rules are relatively strict
Not just anyone can qualify for expungement under the current rules in Alabama. In most cases, the judicial expungement process is only available to those with criminal records not related to convictions. Only arrest and charge records are eligible.
People can expunge the record of an arrest when the state declines to charge them with an offense. They can also expunge the record of their prior charges in cases where the courts dismiss the charges or return a not-guilty verdict. Most people with convictions are not eligible for expungement. Those who avoided or defeated their charges might be able to expunge the records of their charges or their arrest.
Talking about prior criminal matters with a skilled legal team can help people determine if seeking an expungement might be an option for them. People who expunge records of unsuccessful charges or prior arrests may be able to access more opportunities afterward.
