A previous conviction can prevent you from living your life to the fullest. If you have been previously charged with or convicted of a crime in Nashville or elsewhere, your criminal record will reflect that. Even if you are arrested and never charged with a crime or charged, but never convicted, a criminal record is created in your name.
Expungement is a legal process which results in a person’s public criminal records being “removed and destroyed.” This means that the record of an expunged conviction or arrest will not show up on a public background check. Under Tennessee expungement laws, when you are granted expungement police records, criminal charges or sentences, and court records or records of criminal convictions are sealed and destroyed. Additionally, a person’s criminal record will no longer be listed on the Criminal Court Clerk’s website.
Not all offenses are expungeable. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for an expungement. If too much time has passed, you may not be eligible.
There are a number of types of convictions that are not eligible for removal under Tennessee law. Some examples are:
- Sexual offenses
- Aggravated burglary
- Vehicular assault
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Any crime for which you were found guilty by reason of insanity
Why should I seek expungment?
People who have a criminal record quite often face barriers when applying for a job, housing, school, or obtaining a professional license. When it comes time to apply to anything which requires a background check, your previous charges or convictions may show up. Thus, having a charge expunged helps prevent legal discrimination against people who have criminal history.
Tennessee expungement is a complicated process, depending upon your past history with law enforcement and prior convictions. Mistakes can be costly. Therefore, it would be wise to seek the help of a Nashville Expungement Attorney who can help determine if you are eligible to have your records sealed and destroyed and, if so, guide you through the necessary steps.