Increasing your Chances for Expungement

Rhode Island is more generous than most states when it comes to letting people clear their criminal records after an arrest or conviction. Anyone who has committed a non-violent first time offense can petition to have it expunged after five years for a misdemeanor or ten years for a felony. However, being eligible to request an expungement does not guarantee you will get one. It is the judge’s choice.

This article will outline some simple tips for increasing your chances of a favorable outcome at your expungement hearing. For more detailed legal advice regarding your individual circumstances, call Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly at 401-662-9006.

Good Moral Character

In Rhode Island, the courts are mandated to only expunge criminal records for individuals who have been rehabilitated, demonstrate good moral character, and show an ability to advance the community. Since these are highly subjective terms, it is not always easy to show a judge that you possess these qualities.

Some signs of character that the judge may be looking for include:

• Employment: People with steady jobs are less likely to reoffend, making judges more likely to expunge their old convictions. A strong employment record also shows that you are reliable, self-supportive, and a hard worker.
• Public service: Any kind of helpful volunteer work demonstrates that you care about your community and are a valuable member of it.
• Compliance with treatment: Not everyone who has been in legal trouble needs treatment, but many are suffering from substance abuse disorders or other emotional difficulties. Completing an addiction recovery program, anger management course, or other kind of treatment can help show the judge that you are rehabilitated.

Contact Us

In addition to following the above advice, having competent legal representation is a very effective way to increase your odds of success for an expungement. Contact experienced Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly today at 401-662-9006.