Have you ever considered getting your criminal record expunged? If you need professional licensing, expungement could help you take the next step in your career. Expungement and Its Effect on Professional Licensing removes criminal charges from your record, allowing you to start anew.
Getting a criminal record expunged will allow professionals to be more successful in their career pursuits, as many licensing boards will not consider applicants with certain criminal backgrounds. This is why it’s important to understand the effects of expungement on professional licensing.
This article will discuss expungement and how it could affect your professional licensing. We’ll also cover important considerations when determining whether or not to pursue an expungement and discuss any potential issues that may arise during the process.
What Are the Types of Expungements?
If you find yourself in a situation where you have a criminal record and need to figure out a way to have it expunged, the first step is understanding the different types of expungements. In general, there are three categories of expungement offered by the criminal justice system:
Complete Expungement: This type of expungement completely removes all records related to your arrest and convictions from public access. Under this type, even law enforcement and licensing agencies will not have access to the records.
Partial Expungement: As the name implies, this form of expungement only covers specific charges and some records related to them. This type of expungement is most common when an individual has multiple charges on their criminal record that they would like removed.
Post-Conviction Relief: This type of relief involves having certain convictions officially declared null and void by the court due to special circumstances such as wrongful arrests or constitutional violations during trial proceedings. While this type of relief does not technically result in an expungement, it can still have a positive effect on professional licensing.
How Does an Expungement Affect Professional Licensing?
If you have a criminal record, it can affect your ability to obtain professional licenses in certain fields. Depending on the type of conviction and the state you live in, an Expungement and Its Effect on Professional Licensing may be able to help.
Expungement is a legal process through which a court orders the destruction of an individual’s criminal record. When a conviction is expunged, it is returned to its pre-conviction status and the individual can legally answer “no” when asked if they’ve ever been convicted of that crime.
When it comes to professional licensing, an expungement may be one way to overcome a past conviction that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining the required license. While each case is different, most states have regulations stipulating which convictions can or cannot be expunged for licensure purposes.
However, whether an expungement will allow you to obtain a license depends largely on the type of crime and any state-specific regulations about criminal convictions. Therefore, researching your state’s laws regarding professional licensing and criminal convictions is essential before deciding whether or not to pursue an expungement for this purpose.
What Information Is Available on Professional Licensing After an Expungement?
After an expungement is approved, a professional’s record is generally considered void, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on state laws and the original offense, certain information may still be available to licensing boards and employers who are involved in the licensing process. Typically, any available information can be found in two places:
Criminal History Reports:
Criminal history reports are frequently used by employers and licensing boards for background checks on individuals being considered for professional licensure. Although many states require that expunged records be removed from criminal history reports, this isn’t always the case. In some states, expunged records may still appear on criminal history reports, although they may be modified or redacted in some fashion.
Background Checks by Licensing Boards:
In addition to criminal history reports, certain licensing boards may take it upon themselves to perform further background checks on individuals’ backgrounds. This can include anything from credit checks and references to previous employment records. As these background checks are often specific to each profession, applicants need to review the requirements of each board before applying for any licensing credentials.
How Can I Get Help with Applying for Professional Licensing After an Expungement?
If you’ve had your criminal record expunged, but are still having trouble applying for professional licensing, there are a few things you can do.
Seek Legal Advice:
You should speak to an attorney who specializes in expungement or professional licensing. They can provide expert advice on navigating the application process and help you understand any potential challenges.
Explore Options for Professional Licensing Assistance Programs:
Several programs can assist with getting a professional license after an expungement. These include state-funded assistance programs and nonprofit organizations that focus on helping people with their professional licensing needs.
Talk to Professional Licensing Boards:
If you run into difficulty or have questions while applying for professional licensing, contact the relevant state board directly. The members of these boards may be able to help answer your questions and provide additional resources to support your efforts.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Professional Licensing After an Expungement?
If you have been previously convicted of a crime, obtaining a professional license can help to erase barriers to success. Expungement and Its Effect on Professional Licensing is the process by which criminal records are erased, meaning that background checks will no longer show past convictions.
Access to Employment Opportunities:
Having an expunged record can open up more employment opportunities for you. Many employers may be unwilling to hire someone with a criminal record, so the fact that it has been expunged may give them more confidence in hiring you.
Higher Salaries:
Professions with licensing often require additional education, making them much more lucrative than non-licensing professions. By obtaining a professional license after expungement, you could increase your potential salary significantly.
Respectability:
Having a professional license adds a certain level of respectability and credibility that is often lacking for those who do not hold one. This respectability can also be beneficial in other areas such as housing and loan applications.