Will I Have a Criminal Record After My Case is Resolved?
Yes. Unfortunately, you may still have a criminal record after your case is resolved, whether through a not-guilty verdict, dismissal, plea agreement, or pretrial diversion. Even if you avoided a conviction, your court and arrest records will remain public. This means that prospective employers, colleges, and landlords will see that you have a criminal case unless you have it restricted, which is Georgia’s version of having criminal records expunged.
While resolving your criminal case provides immediate relief, your record will still exist and negatively affect your future. Understanding what can happen to your criminal record after resolving your case and how a proactive Forsyth County expungement lawyer can help you with the records restriction process is essential for a fresh start.
How Can Records Restriction Affect My Criminal Record in Forsyth County?
Law enforcement is required to create and maintain a criminal record for anyone who gets arrested. A criminal record contains the arrest report, the charges against you, your court documents, and the outcome of your criminal case. Even if the court rules in your favor, that paper trail will not cease to exist and can be viewed during background checks unless the court successfully grants you a records restriction.
With a records restriction, your criminal record will be hidden from the public, most employers, and private companies. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement can still access it. Whether you qualify for restriction depends on how your criminal case was resolved. You may be eligible for a restriction if you:
- Not charged and only arrested
- Secured a dismissal of your case
- Were found not guilty
- Successfully completed a deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion program
Some convictions can likewise be restricted under the state’s First Offender Act. The act lets first-time offenders, even those with eligible felony charges, avoid a conviction by completing stringent conditions, including probation. Completing the program can lead to a dismissal of the case and eligibility for records restriction.
How a Forsyth County Expungement Lawyer Can Help You With Records Restriction
An experienced Forsyth County expungement attorney can secure and evaluate your criminal record to determine whether you qualify for records restriction. State law provides specific avenues for restricting criminal records, and your lawyer can explain the eligibility requirements for each and analyze your criminal history to determine which option you qualify for.
The records restriction process involves a thorough understanding of criminal law, filling out the right paperwork, notarization requirements, filing fees, and a hearing. Your Forsyth County expungement lawyer will manage all the legal procedures for you to ensure that your records restriction request complies with state law. They will also prepare your request for a hearing and present a compelling case for why your criminal record should be restricted.
Let Our Seasoned Forsyth County Expungement Attorney Protect Your Future
Do not let your past mistakes hold you back. Discuss your case with our Forsyth County expungement lawyer at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland to learn how they can help you restrict your criminal record. Call 770-887-1209 or contact us online to arrange your confidential case evaluation.