Hinesville Expungement Lawyer

Hinesville Expungement Attorney

If you have ever been arrested for a crime in Hinesville, you most likely have a criminal record. These records can pop up during background checks, and they may even harm your chances of finding work or securing housing. Though a criminal background can feel like it will haunt you forever, there is a solution to your problem, and an experienced Hinesville expungement lawyer knows how to achieve it.

Under Georgia law, you could have your criminal record expunged, even for certain charges like domestic violence. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our firm has been helping clients just like you rid themselves of their criminal backgrounds. We understand the legal intricacies of the Liberty County court system. Let us use our knowledge and experience to achieve the new start you deserve today.

Defining Expungement in Hinesville, GA

With a crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000 residents, Hinesville sees plenty of criminal activity. When a criminal record is expunged in Hinesville, it is actually sealed or erased. If you were convicted of a crime in the past and can legally expunge your record, that record will no longer be available to the public during background checks. However, it may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies or certain branches of the government, particularly when considering the Georgia crime rate by city.

It is important to keep in mind, though, that not every crime is eligible for expungement in Hinesville. Even if it is possible to seal or expunge a record, qualifying for this action can be challenging and complicated. In Georgia, you might qualify to have your record expunged for certain felonies and most misdemeanor charges, with only a few exceptions. Understanding the benefits of expungement can also help you navigate this process more effectively.

Several factors can affect your ability to seek a record expungement.

The qualifications include the following:

• The charges against you have been dismissed.
• The charge you suffered was minor, and it was also your first and only offense.
• You were considered a juvenile at the time of your conviction, so your case is classified as a juvenile crime.
• You were either acquitted or found not guilty.

Additionally, it may be easier to expunge certain convictions over others. For example, a minor drug conviction, such as the possession of marijuana, may be easier to seek an expungement for than a more serious crime.

Certain crimes cannot be expunged, including both misdemeanors and felonies.

In Hinesville, you cannot seek the expungement of misdemeanors such as:

• Child molestation
• Sexual battery
• Family battery & assault
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The felony offenses that cannot be expunged in Georgia include:

• Murder and felony murder
• Armed robbery
• Rape or sex crimes
• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Aggravated child molestation

Benefits of Expunging Your Hinesville Criminal Record

When you seek the expungement of your criminal record, it can provide several benefits. Some of these include the following:

• Increased job opportunities: Many employers in Hinesville will conduct a background check before making a hiring decision. If you have a clean criminal record, you may become a more attractive option than an individual who does have a criminal record.
• Increased housing options: Landlords will often check a potential renter’s criminal history when considering applications for housing. Therefore, expunging your criminal record can open more avenues for housing.
• Confidence: Putting your past in the past can ensure your future success. It can also provide you with confidence, relief, and peace.
• Professional licensing: Certain employment avenues will require background checks and necessary licenses or certifications. A clean criminal record can help you obtain these licenses or certifications, thereby improving your ability to secure a wider range of employment options.

If you are hoping to expunge your Hinesville record, an expungement attorney can correctly guide you through the process. They can also explain your legal rights and the potential life benefits of having your record expunged.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Record Expunged in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, the overall process of expunging a record can be relatively inexpensive. Typically, you will need to seek a printed-out copy of your criminal record or a GCIC report. This can be done at the Hinesville Police Department and is extremely cost-effective. You will then need to pay a fee for an expungement application. If your expungement is successful, you will also need to pay a processing fee.

Q: What Is the Second Chance Act in Hinesville, Georgia?

A: In Hinesville, Georgia, the Second Chance Act allows certain people the ability to restrict or seal most kinds of misdemeanor convictions. In cases where you are convicted of only a single misdemeanor or several within a single case, you may qualify for expungement if there are no other pending charges against you. You may also qualify if you have not been convicted of other crimes during that time.

Q: What Parties Can See a Sealed Record?

A: Under Georgia law, sealed records are only available for certain government agencies and law enforcement to access, along with the individual who owns the record and their criminal defense attorney. This means that employers, landlords, and other parties cannot see the record, which allows you to bypass certain difficulties when seeking a job or housing.

Q: How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Hinesville?

A: In most cases, an employer or other public organization can conduct a background check as far back as they wish. However, the FCRA, or the Fair Credit Reporting Act, restricts employers from gathering information that is relevant and accurate for the position for which they are currently hiring, and you have applied.

Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney When Seeking to Expunge Your Record

If you are hoping to have your record expunged in Hinesville, the team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., can help you do so. We have successfully expunged or sealed criminal records across Georgia, so we can put our experience and talent to use in doing the same for you. Trust us to secure you a chance at a fresh start. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.