How Expungement Can Help Your Employment Prospects

Anytime you fill out a job application, you will be required to answer questions about your criminal background. Most employers will like to know the background of potential hires. If you lie, you will automatically be disqualified for the position. Several databases have information about your criminal history dating back 7 years or even longer. The only real way of having certain criminal activities removed from your record is by having them expunged.

What is an expungement?

Expungement is a legal way of having your record cleared. If you live in Pennsylvania, some crimes that took place more than five years ago can be expunged. The process completely erases the record in some cases. This is especially the case if you committed a crime as a juvenile. If you would like to have your record expunged, you will need to hire a Philadelphia criminal attorney to help you.

Why do you need to expunge your record?

In Philadelphia, there are many reasons why you may opt to have your record expunged. Here are a few:

• Self-employed – While you don’t have to worry about employers finding out about your history, your business partners may be able to do a check.
• Renting an apartment – Many landlords frown on individuals who have a criminal record. They may very well use it against you when you attempt to rent an apartment.
• Already have a job – If you are already employed and get laid off, your new job may perform a background check. This can prevent you from finding another one.
• Personal reasons – Having a criminal record could prevent you from adopting a child. It can also be a deciding factor if you want to coach children or engage in other activities that require a clean record.

Unfortunately, having a criminal record can be detrimental to your job prospects. Even a few youthful indiscretions can hurt you. The best way to hide your criminal history is to get your record expunged. In Philadelphia, there are some qualifying factors to apply for expungement. You must petition the court, gain a hearing in front of a judge then send the appropriate paperwork to other states.

Find a Philly criminal defense attorney to handle your expungement. Only they guide you through the process and ensure you get the results you deserve