Expunging Oklahoma Criminal Records

Expunging Oklahoma Criminal Records will seal the criminal arrest and criminal charges making it as if the crim never happened. Many people are aware of the theory of expunging Oklahoma criminal records but not sure how its done. The process can be slightly more complex than it sounds but its possible if you qualify.  Oklahoma law allows expungement of criminal records for several categories of offenses.  This article explains expungement or sealing criminal records further.  It also explains how we can help walk you through the process to make sure your request is complete and legitimate.  One mistake shouldn’t haunt a good person through a lifetime.

Expungement Law in Oklahoma

Expungement in Oklahoma is under 22 Okl.St.Ann. § 18: B:

“For purposes of this act, “expungement” shall mean the sealing of criminal records, as well as any public civil record, involving actions brought by and against the State of Oklahoma arising from the same arrest, transaction or occurrence.”

Thus, an expungement will seal your record and allow you to move forward with a clean slate.  This can redeem you from a poor decision in your past.   Some of the more serious qualifications you must meet to be eligible are:

1. A petitioner must receive a full pardon from the governor.
2. The offense was either a misdemeanor or nonviolent felony.
3. You did not commit any subsequent crimes in the past 5-20 years. This is dependent upon what conviction you are attempting to expunge. The more serious is the offense, the longer the amount of time.
4. The petitioner did not commit the offense, but their name was used by another who did.
5. You had an acquittal, plead guilty and served your sentence, or exonerated by DNA evidence.
6. All court fines and fees, plus any restitution to victims is fully paid.

Expungement Process:

Expunging Oklahoma Criminal Records can be a quick process.  You will need to fill out an application.  This will include proof of employment, proof of residence, and character references from two to three people.  Once the application is complete, our office handles the rest.  We contact the court and review the application to ensure all information is correct and true.  Afterward, we send in your signed application and wait for a response from the State.  If the court finds that the harm to you outweighs the public interest of retaining the records, then it grants an expungement.   Once you receive an expungement, you do not have to disclose the conviction on any paperwork including employment and educational applications.

Let Us Help Seal Your Criminal Record:

Let us know if you want to expunge a blemish from you past.  Our attorneys understand that sometimes mistakes can haunt us.  We know the ins and outs of the process and want to streamline the process for you.  Our first consultation is free, so give us a call at 918.743.2233 or read or Tulsa lawyers legal blog for additional information..