What do you say to a judge for expungement?
Asked by: Heath Spinka | Last update: January 18, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (46 votes)
The letter should be polite, concise, and professional, emphasizing personal growth and the benefits of expungement. A sample could start with: “Dear [Authority], I am requesting the expungement of my record related to [case details] as I have demonstrated rehabilitation and positive community involvement.”
What to write in an expungement letter?
I entered a guilty plea, admit responsibility for my crime and regret my behavior. I was convicted at trial and regret getting involved in the activities that led to my arrest. This the time of my last conviction my life has changed. Include the date, name of the county and the address.
Can judges see expunged records?
Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.
Is it hard to get a dismissed case expunged?
It's not a hard process, but there's lots of paper involved. As u/lizardjustice said, your local public defender's office might have a special program to help you with your dismissal. Your local criminal appellate program may also be able to help.
What is an example of expunge?
Examples from Collins dictionaries
The revolutionaries expunged domestic opposition. The experience was something he had tried to expunge from his memory. His name was expunged from the record books.
How do you prepare for an expungement petition?
What to say to a judge for expungement?
This conviction does not reflect the person I am today, and I humbly ask the court to consider my petition for expungement based on my personal growth and the changes I have made since my conviction. At the time of the offense, my life was in disarray.
What kind of felonies can be expunged?
California Law
For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.
Can prosecutors see expunged records?
Just because your record is expunged does not mean you get a “reset.” Prosecutors and judges will have access to your full, un-expunged criminal record, and you can be sure that they will use this information against you in court.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
How do I know if my case was expunged?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).
Can an expungement be reversed?
Rest assured that the expunged crime will not be reversed, meaning it will still be invisible to employers and landlords during a background check. However, law enforcement and the criminal court can use your expunged crime against you after a new arrest.
Does the judge look at your record?
A judge will look at your prior criminal history in determining how to sentence. Lack of a criminal history will likely benefit you greatly, while a lengthy criminal history is a tough hurdle. Even criminal convictions far back in time will be considered, although more recent criminal convictions will be more damaging.
Can the FBI see my expunged record?
Expunged records can, in some cases, appear on FBI background checks, especially those conducted by law enforcement or certain government entities.. While expungement is meant to remove or restrict access to criminal records, the effectiveness of the process varies by jurisdiction.
What is a mitigating letter?
The mitigation letter is an invitation to take a step back. In addition to its focus on mitigating factors, which are often situational, it can help students reframe what happened in terms of what they might do to course correct.
How do you write a letter explaining a felony conviction?
First Paragraph: List your conviction(s), the dates and a brief explanation of the circumstances (explain in two sentences or less and focus on the big picture). Express regret and responsibility. Second Paragraph: Focus on how you have paid your debt to society and the ways in which you have improved your life.
How far back do most criminal background checks go?
Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.
What is the 7 year look back rule?
The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
What is another word for expungement?
abolish annul delete eradicate erase exterminate extinguish omit wipe out.
How many times can you get your record expunged?
There are no limits to how many times you can file a petition for a Section 1 expungement, and they may be filed even if the individual has previously filed for expungement of convictions.
How to check expungement status?
The best way to find out if this has happened is to go to the Court where your case was at and ask to see the documents. If they do not have them the case was expunged and some private company has the records and provided them when the background check was done.
Do you need a lawyer for an expungement hearing?
You can do it yourself, but it is better to hire a lawyer. You want it done right the first time, and the process can be confusing for laypeople. It's best to hire a professional to do the work for you.
How do I write a letter of recommendation for an expungement?
Introduce yourself and establish credibility: Provide information about who you are, your relationship to the defendant, and any relevant credentials or experiences that may lend credibility to your perspective. Provide reasons for expungement: Detail the reasons why you believe the defendant deserves expungement.
What is an example letter for expungement?
[Respectfully request the court grants your request] For these reasons, I respectfully request that the court expunge/reduce my conviction so that I can continue to achieve my goals and contribute to society to the best of my ability.
Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?
Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.