Expungement of Criminal Records in Creek County has been expanded. Many people make mistakes early in their lives.  These are often the offenses our clients approach us with for help with regarding an expungement.  Expungements can restore firearm rights, career opportunities, and even certain housing eligibility.  If you are interested in the possibility of expunging your past crimes, this article will explain the process and how we can help.

Oklahoma Expungements

Title 22 of the Oklahoma Annotated Statutes explains expungements.  You can find the statutory language under §18:B:  “For purposes of this act, “expungement” shall mean the sealing of criminal records, as well as any public civil record, involving actions brought by and against the State of Oklahoma arising from the same arrest, transaction or occurrence.”

As a result, you can seal your criminal record.  This will mean that the public, and notably potential employers, cannot see your past offense.  However, to for this to occur, a list of qualifications exist.  You must meet many of these, but not all:

1. You must receive a full pardon from the governor if the offense is a felony.
2. The offense must either be a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony charge.
3. Depending on the severity of the crime, you must wait between 5 and 20 years and you must not have committed any other crimes, excluding traffic tickets.
4. You were a victim of false impersonation and did not actually commit the offense.
5. You are the subject of a DNA exoneration, or receive an acquittal, or you have already made a guilty plea and served your sentence.
6. All court fees and fines, as well as victim restitution, must be completely paid.

Legal Process of an Expungement

The application process can go relatively fast.  It requires you complete an expungement application, which includes proof of residence and employment.  You will also need to provide character references.  Once you complete the application and bring in the supporting documents, our office reviews the form.  If everything is satisfactory, we will send the form to the Pardon and Parole Board for consideration.

At this point, you will wait for a response from the State.  Many times, the Board will visit you and perform an in-home visit and interview.  This interview will be set up by the member of the Board that receives your case assignment.  Once this is complete, the harm to you will weigh against the public interest.  If the harm to you is more damaging than the benefit of the public interest, then you records will receive an expungement.  At this point, you do not have to disclose your conviction on any application any longer.

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Creek County Expungment Attorneys

If you are considering the expungement process and have questions, call our offices.  We handle expungement cases on a regular basis and have a streamlined system to help you.  Your first consultation is free.