If you have been acquitted or if convicted and time has passed, it is extremely important to have your case expunged as soon as possible. If you had felony charges that were dismissed, removing those charges can be the difference in getting a job, being questioned by police, or having future charges brought for new or unrelated activity. For example, if an officer runs your license plates and sees that you have prior drug charges, she/he is much more likely to thoroughly investigate whether you possess any drugs at the time of even a simple traffic stop.
Most officers do not take the time to look at the disposition of the case to see if you were convicted, acquitted or the charges were modified. Moreover, even if you pled guilty or went through diversion, you may be eligible to have the case expunged. Officers may ask for consent to search your vehicle or may make allegation to allow for non-consensual search of your person or your vehicle. Alternatively, if you have had the prior charges expunged, then the officer will not see the prior charge or even conviction. Even DUI convictions may be eligible to be expunged, albeit after 10 years. EPO (emergency protection orders) are also eligible for expungement unless they become active DVO (domestic violence orders).
If you pled guilty, you are eligible for expungement 5 years after the end of the sentence. If you successfully completed diversion, you are typically eligible 60 days after the diversion ends. Removal through the expungement process is relatively straightforward and not expensive. The background check is only $42. There is no fee for expungement of a dismissal or acquittal, this includes successful diversion. There is a fee of $50-250 for expungement of misdemeanor or felony convictions. Legal fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on the charges. Hourly rates may be available if there are multiple charges, multiple cases, and/or multiple counties involved.
If interested, contact an attorney who has handled hundreds of diversion cases. In Kentucky, call Michael Bouldin at 859-300-3905 (581-MIKE) or email [email protected] or [email protected]. You may also utilize this CONTACT FORM. Call today and we’ll start the process for only the $42.50 background check!