Bentonville Expungement & Record Sealing Attorney

Secure a New Future Today

When someone says, “your reputation precedes you,” you want this statement to reflect your positive attributes and contributions, not the mistakes of your past. Unfortunately, a criminal record can have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of your life. Not only does it affect your social relationships, but it also limits your employment opportunities and may prevent you from renting or buying property.

Luckily, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed, or “expunged,” depending on your personal circumstances and the aggressiveness of your legal team. An expungement essentially removes the history of specific charges and convictions from your criminal record. While the physical record still exists, you can legally claim the offense never happened. Your prior criminal history won’t even show up on any background checks unless you’re applying for a caregiving role or a government position.

I firmly believe that every person deserves a second chance at happiness in a life that isn’t determined by the circumstances of their past. As a dedicated Bentonville expungement lawyer with a background in both criminal defense and prosecution, I have the legal experience to effectively review your case and help you file an effective petition. If you’re ready to take the first step, hire Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law today.

Contact my firm online or by calling (479) 777-0640 to explore your legal options.

Determining Eligibility

Unfortunately, not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. This is why it’s essential that you discuss your case with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney before filing your petition.

You may be eligible for record expungement under the following stipulations:

• You were charged as a first-time offender, plead guilty, and completed probation
• You were charged with an offense that was dismissed
• You were acquitted at trial

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you only have to wait 60 days to request a record sealing so long as you have fulfilled all the conditions and court orders associated with your sentence. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and you may have to wait five years to seal the following offenses:

• Class A negligent homicide
• Indecent exposure
• Battery in the third degree
• Domestic battery in the third degree
• Sexual assault in the fourth degree
• Driving while intoxicated
• You can request an expungement after 5 years for Class C or Class D felonies

You may not be eligible for record expungement if:

• Your case is still open
• You have multiple felony convictions
• You have not fulfilled all the necessary court orders and conditions associated with your sentence
• You committed a Class Y felony
• You committed a capital offense
• You have murder, rape, or kidnapping convictions on your criminal record

Retain Legal Representation

When your future is on the line, it’s imperative that you seek compassionate and experienced legal representation to help you file your “Petition and Order to Seal.” I can review your case, determine if your charges and convictions are eligible for record sealing, and even represent your case in court. To help you start your new life, I offer free case evaluations, reasonable rates, and flexible payment options.

Call Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law at (479) 777-0640 to schedule your free consultation.