Key Facts
A criminal record can follow you for years—impacting job opportunities, housing applications, and even your ability to volunteer or travel. Many people think they must live with their past mistakes forever, but the truth is that criminal expungement can open doors you thought were permanently closed.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we’ve assisted many clients in completing essential notarized paperwork for expungement petitions. We know the process may seem daunting, but the rewards are worth every step.
What Is Criminal Expungement?
Criminal expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a person’s criminal record from public view. While it doesn’t erase the fact that the offense occurred, it removes the conviction from most background checks, allowing individuals to move forward without the stigma of a criminal history.
Expungement vs. Record Sealing
While both aim to limit public access to your criminal record, expungement often means the record is entirely removed from public databases, whereas record sealing hides it but allows certain agencies to access it.
Why Criminal Expungement Is Worth the Effort
1. Improved Employment Opportunities
Many employers run background checks as part of the hiring process. Even a minor conviction can cause a qualified candidate to be overlooked. Expungement can remove these barriers, allowing you to compete on equal footing.
When preparing employment documents after expungement, you can use our Mobile Notary Services to notarize job-related affidavits or background clearance forms quickly and securely.
2. Better Housing Options
Landlords and property management companies often conduct tenant screenings. An expunged record can prevent a past conviction from interfering with your ability to secure housing in competitive markets.
3. Restored Civil Rights
In some states, certain convictions may strip away rights such as voting, serving on a jury, or owning a firearm. Expungement can help restore these important civil liberties.
4. Peace of Mind and Reputation Repair
Living with a criminal record can be emotionally draining. Expungement offers a fresh start, allowing you to rebuild your reputation and live without constant worry about your past resurfacing.
5. Access to Professional Licenses
Many licensing boards require a clean record for professions such as real estate, healthcare, and law. Expungement can open the door to new career paths.
The Expungement Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Eligibility varies by state and offense type. Typically, non-violent offenses and cases with completed sentences are more likely to qualify.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation
This may include court records, proof of sentence completion, and personal identification documents. Many states require notarized statements—Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can notarize these documents for you promptly.
Step 3: File the Petition
The expungement petition is submitted to the court, often accompanied by a filing fee. Supporting affidavits and declarations may also be required.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Some cases require a court appearance where the judge reviews your eligibility and the merits of your request.
Step 5: Receive the Court Order
Once approved, the court issues an expungement order, directing relevant agencies to seal or erase the record.
How Expungement Changes Lives: Real Examples
Imagine a skilled professional who lost a career opportunity due to a mistake made years ago. After expungement, they can apply for positions without fear of discrimination. Similarly, a parent previously denied volunteer opportunities at their child’s school can now participate fully in community activities.
Common Myths About Criminal Expungement
“It’s Too Expensive”
While there are costs involved, the long-term benefits—higher income potential, better housing, and career growth—often outweigh the initial expense.
“It Won’t Really Help”
In reality, most background checks performed by employers and landlords will no longer display expunged convictions.
“It Takes Forever”
While the process can take several months, many find that the life-changing benefits make the wait worthwhile.
The Role of Notarization in Expungement
Notarization plays a crucial role in the expungement process. Many petitions, affidavits, and supporting documents must be notarized to verify authenticity. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we offer both in-person and remote notarization to make the process as convenient as possible.
Learn more about our secure Remote Online Notarization Services for expungement documents.
Why Work with Professionals for Expungement
The legal system can be complex, and even small mistakes can delay your case. Working with attorneys and professional notaries ensures that every document meets legal requirements and deadlines.
The Emotional Impact of a Clean Record
Beyond practical benefits, expungement can restore your sense of dignity and hope. Clients often describe feeling like a weight has been lifted, freeing them to pursue goals without hesitation.
Why Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan for Expungement Documents
- Experience with Legal Documents – We handle affidavits, court petitions, and certified copies daily.
- Flexible Scheduling – We offer evening, weekend, and mobile appointments.
- Secure Technology – For clients unable to meet in person, our online notarization ensures compliance and safety.
- Fast Turnaround – We prioritize urgent legal matters to meet court deadlines.
Whether you’re just starting the process or finalizing the last forms, we can provide notarization services that keep your expungement on track.
Taking the First Step Toward Expungement
If you qualify for expungement, the sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy its benefits. Begin by checking eligibility in your state and gathering necessary documents.
When you’re ready to move forward, schedule your notarization with Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan to ensure your paperwork is handled professionally.
FAQs About Criminal Expungement
1. Does expungement erase my record completely?
In most cases, expungement removes your conviction from public records, but certain government agencies may still access it.
2. How long does expungement take?
The process varies by state but typically takes between three to six months from filing to completion.
3. Can violent crimes be expunged?
This depends on state laws. Many states exclude violent crimes from expungement eligibility.
4. Do I need a lawyer for expungement?
While not legally required, a lawyer can help navigate the process and increase the likelihood of success.
5. Will I need notarized documents for expungement?
Yes, most petitions require notarized statements, which we can provide at Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan.
