Felony Expungement
Felony Expungement with Combs Waterkotte
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Felony Expungement Criminal Defense Attorneys St. Louis, MO
Having a felony conviction expunged in Missouri and other states is largely based on the crime, your rehabilitation, and other factors. Once you’ve served your time (prison, probation, etc.), you can fill out a felony expungement form here and learn more. It’s important to contact a local criminal defense attorney for assistance.
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Felony Expungement St. Louis, MO
Expunging a felony conviction from your criminal record in St. Louis, Missouri, is a detailed legal process that requires a deep understanding of both state and federal laws. Each court, whether it be county, state, or federal, has its own set of rules and restrictions regarding felony expungement.
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The process in Missouri, as outlined in the state's expungement laws, is notably distinct from the procedures in other parts of the United States. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for anyone seeking to clear their record.
It's imperative to seek the expertise of a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can guide you through this complex legal landscape. An attorney can provide invaluable insights into how the law applies to your specific case and what steps you need to take. For personalized advice and a comprehensive understanding of the expungement process, you can contact Combs Waterkotte, who are well-versed in handling such cases.
Missouri classifies felonies into different categories, each with its own implications for expungement eligibility and processes. These classifications are:
- Class A Felonies: These are the most serious, often involving severe criminal activity such as murder or aggravated assault. They carry the harshest penalties and are the most challenging to expunge.
- Class B Felonies: These include crimes like voluntary manslaughter or robbery, which are grave but slightly less severe than Class A felonies.
- Class C Felonies: These cover offenses such as fraud or theft involving larger sums.
- Class D Felonies: This class includes less severe crimes like certain drug offenses. The expungement process here is often more straightforward than for higher-class felonies.
- Class E Felonies: The least severe, these might include crimes like fraud involving smaller amounts.
Each class of felony carries different eligibility criteria for expungement. In Missouri, the complexity of the law demands detailed attention from a legal expert. If you've been convicted or charged with a felony in Missouri and seek to understand your options for expungement, contact Combs Waterkotte for specialized legal assistance. Our team is committed to providing you with the guidance and support needed to navigate this challenging process effectively.
How Do You Get a Felony Expunged from Your Criminal Record in St. Louis?
If you have a felony conviction and want it expunged from your criminal record, you’re going to have to go through a thorough legal process. County, state, and federal courts have different restrictions when it comes to getting a felony expunged from your record. For example, Missouri expungement laws are different than others throughout the United States. It’s helpful for defendants to discuss the expungement process with a qualified criminal defense attorney near you. You can contact Combs Waterkotte now if you have any questions about the process.
Expunging Your Felony Record:
- Serve Full Amount of Prison Time
- Complete Your Probation
- File a Petition for Expungement
- Contact a Qualified Defense Attorney
Why Would You Want Felonies Expunged from Your Record in St. Louis, MO?
There are several reasons you might want your criminal activity expunged from the record. The most common ones include the following:
- To seek out various employment opportunities where a criminal record might block applicants from being hired.
- Landlords and property managers often perform background checks that can cause them to deny or limit a tenant’s ability to rent, buy, or get a lease.
- Certain professional organizations that offer licenses can also run background checks and deny an applicant with a criminal record.
- Educational opportunities are another factor. Certain educational institutions conduct background checks on potential students.
- Felons should consider civil rights. This includes the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and other day-to-day rights that other civilians have.
- Having a felony on your record usually means you do not have the right to bear a firearm.
- Another reason felons might want to expunge their record is that they are legally able to say “no” about past crimes. This applies to all of the above.
Felony Expungement Process in Missouri
Here is the basic process:
- Eligibility Determination: A felon will have to find out first if they even are eligible for expungement. Different jurisdictions, criminal history, and the severity of the offense are factors that will be considered.
- Waiting Period: If you commit a felony and go to prison, that doesn’t mean you can automatically apply to have your criminal records expunged. Usually there is a waiting period of several years based on the crime.
- Sentence Completion: Individuals usually have to complete their sentence. This includes prison time, probation, and parole before attempting to expunge their record.
- Filing an Application: You usually apply through the court that sentenced you. This might include a reason for seeking expungement and other evidence that supports the application.
- Court Hearing: Often, you may have to schedule a date for a court hearing. The petitioner will present their case and the court will take into consideration multiple factors like rehabilitation, remorse, and the impact of the conviction.
- Court Decision: The court will review the case and decide if the felony conviction will be dropped from your criminal record. If it is not approved, different jurisdictions may have processes in place to apply again.
Expunging Your Felony in St. Louis, MO
Not all felonies are eligible for expungement. The laws behind expungement vary widely based on the state, politics, the severity of the crime, how old you were when the crime was committed, and other factors. Murder, violent crimes, and sexual offenders are not eligible to apply. Check with your St. Louis criminal defense attorney now if you have any questions.
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We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.
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