Savannah Expungement Lawyer

If you have ever been arrested for a crime in Georgia, you have a criminal record. Even if the criminal charges were dropped, you still have a Georgia criminal background. A criminal background can follow you forever, but there is a solution to this problem.

Our firm’s expertise in expungement cases and deep knowledge of Georgia’s legal system ensure that clients receive accurate guidance and efficient results throughout the courthouse process.

Under Georgia law, you may be able to have your criminal record expunged. In order to have this done, you will need to hire an experienced Savannah expungement lawyer for help. Jarrett Maillet is a successful criminal defense lawyer in Savannah, GA who is offering all potential clients in need of a expungement lawyer free legal consultations. Our firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including legal assistance for expungement, record sealing, and related matters. We take a collaborative approach, with our team working together to support every client’s success.

An expungement proceeding is a type of lawsuit in which a first-time offender of a prior criminal conviction seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed, thereby making the records unavailable through the state or Federal repositories. In Georgia’s legal system, this process is governed by specific state laws and procedures. To begin, a formal request or petition must be filed with the court to seek expungement or record restriction. If successful, and the judge approves the request, expungement is granted and the records are said to be “expunged.”

Georgia’s old law used the term “expungement,” which implied that criminal records information was deleted or destroyed. In reality, criminal records were not deleted or destroyed; the term “expungement” meant that the information was unavailable to be viewed for all purposes except law enforcement and criminal justice.

Georgia’s new law, effective July 1, 2013, does not use the word “expungement.” Instead, the process is now referred to as “record restriction.” Only the name of the process has changed. Record restriction means that eligible records on your official criminal history report are restricted from public view and are only accessible to law enforcement for criminal justice purposes. Certain misdemeanors may be eligible for expungement or record restriction, while others are not. Additionally, violations such as traffic offenses or other minor violations may also be eligible for expungement or record restriction, depending on the circumstances. Prosecutors play a key role in the expungement process, as they review and may support or oppose the request. Expungement helps protect individuals’ rights, privacy, and future opportunities, including improving access to jobs and, in some cases, assisting with reinstating a driver’s license.

When considering expungement, it is important to consult a lawyer for help in determining whether your specific case, such as a DUI case, qualifies for expungement or record restriction under Georgia law.

An expungement seals a case that has been dismissed from public view. When the process is completed, all records from the Police Department, Georgia Courts, and Sheriff’s Department will be sealed from the view of the general public. In some cases, your DNA can be destroyed, and your DMV records can possibly be erased. No future employers, current employers, customers, landlords, colleges, or insurers can see what you have been accused of in the past.

Many juvenile offenders will be eligible for expungement in Georgia. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the sentencing, and the age of the offender at the time of the offense. Adults may be eligible for expungement or dismissal after the term of probation is completed. For certain offenses, such as a DUI case, determining eligibility for expungement or record restriction can be complex and should be evaluated with legal assistance.

In a case where the offense was a felony, such as grand theft, domestic violence, assault and battery, or felony DUI that cannot be expunged, a lawyer may be able to get the court to dismiss the charge or reduce it to a misdemeanor. It is extremely important that a person convicted of a crime fulfill the requirements of probation. Any admission or finding by the court of a probation violation removes the opportunity for expungement or dismissal. The same rule applies if you received a withheld judgment at sentencing.