Can a Possession Charge Be Expunged Off My Record?

If you were charged with possession, you may be able to get it expunged. Expunging removes the arrest, charge, and conviction, if there is one, from your criminal record entirely, so it is as if the incident never happened. Expunging your record can give you a clean slate and ensure a past mistake doesn’t continue to affect your future.

If you have a simple possession charge on your record and you want to get it expunged, our firm can help. We can verify that your charge is eligible for expungement and help you through the process.

What Is the Process for Expunging a Charge?

Before you apply to have a charge expunged off of your criminal record, it is important to talk with an attorney to ensure you understand what an expungement is and what it does for your criminal record. A criminal defense attorney can also verify that your charge is eligible for expungement so you don’t waste time and money trying to get a charge expunged that can’t be. Once you are sure that your charge is eligible, you will need to file a formal request for expungement with the court where the charge was originally filed. Make sure that your case is also paid up for any court costs or fees, as a balance here will keep you from being able to move forward. Once you complete your filing, the judge will decide whether to grant your expungement request.

Do I Have to Wait a Certain Amount of Time to Have a Charge Expunged?

If you were arrested and charged, but you didn’t end up with a conviction, there is no wait time to request that the charge be expunged. This applies to cases where the charge was dismissed, or you were found not guilty. If you were convicted of possession, you have to wait five years after the completion of your sentence to be able to apply for expungement.

Can I Get a Charge Expunged If I Have Other Convictions?

If the charge that you are applying to get expunged is not your only criminal conviction, you cannot have the charge expunged. If you do have past convictions, it is still worth talking to an attorney about what your options may be. Even if you can’t get your record expunged, there may be other legal strategies you can use to try to get your record clear.

Having drug charges on your record can make it feel like you can’t leave the past behind. But clearing your record through expungement is one way to start to move forward. Call 931-236-2711 to speak to a criminal defense attorney about your situation.