CRIMINAL EXPUNGEMENT ATTORNEY IN  PONCA CITY 

Criminal Expungement Lawyers in Ponca City

Criminal expungement can be a complicated process, but it's worth pursuing. In Ponca City, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to obtain an expungement. Fortunately, it is possible, and the best way to approach the process is with an experienced lawyer from Ball Morse Lowe. Why not contact 405.701.5355 today?

What is Criminal Expungement?

Criminal expungement is a legal process that helps individuals who have been convicted of a crime clear their criminal records. This means that potential employers, landlords, educational institutions and other entities will not be able to see the conviction on their background checks. Individuals can only pursue expungement after they have completed all of their court-ordered punishments such as probation or parole.

The Process of Criminal Expungement

So, what does the process entail? The first step is to make sure that you qualify for the expungement by meeting all of the qualifications set forth by Oklahoma law. These qualifications include:

• You must have completed your sentence (including any incarceration, probation, and/or parole).
• You must have no subsequent convictions since your original conviction.
• You must not have any pending criminal charges or warrants.
• The offense you were convicted of must meet the criteria for expungement eligibility under Oklahoma law.

Once you have verified that you are eligible for an expungement, the next step is to file a petition for expungement with the court. This is a legal document that states your request and explains why you feel that you have met all of the qualifications for an expungement. You will need to submit this document along with any supporting evidence, such as witness statements or character references, to the court.

Once your petition has been filed, the court will typically set a hearing date where both parties can present their case. At this hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to grant your expungement. If the court approves your petition, you will be issued a Certificate of Expungement that must be sent to any agencies that have access to your criminal record so that they too can expunge the conviction.

Finding Legal Assistance in Ponca City

As you can see, the process contains various intricate steps, which is why you need legal assistance when going through the expungement process. This is why having experienced and knowledgeable attorneys from Ball Morse Lowe is so valuable. Our team of dedicated attorneys is familiar with Oklahoma's laws regarding criminal expungement, and we have the necessary experience and resources to ensure that your Petition is properly prepared and presented. We understand how important it is to get a clean slate for your future, which is why we are committed to helping you through every step of the process.

What Makes a Successful Petition?

A successful petition for expungement usually includes details about your character and background. It’s important to show the court that you understand why the mistake was made, have taken steps to correct it, and that you are a law-abiding citizen. This can be done by including evidence such as statements of support from family or friends, proof of volunteering in the community, and proof of completing educational or therapeutic programs.

Common Mistakes with Criminal Expungement

When pursuing a criminal expungement, you'll want to avoid common mistakes that can affect the success of your application. One of the most common mistakes is not understanding the process correctly and not providing sufficient evidence in your petition. Also, some people may try to apply for an expungement too soon after their conviction or fail to properly read and follow all instructions on the court forms. All of these mistakes can lead to delays or denials of your petition.

At this point, we should note that the expungement process in Oklahoma generally takes about three months to complete and requires a filing fee. If you have multiple convictions on your record, each one will need to be addressed separately. Having an experienced attorney from Ball Morse Lowe on your side can save you time and frustration during the process.

How Does Ball Morse Lowe Help?

At Ball Morse Lowe, we understand how difficult the expungement process can be. That's why our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you every step of the way. Our attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of Oklahoma law and are well-versed in all aspects of criminal expungements. Furthermore, we will work diligently on your behalf to ensure that your Petition is filed correctly and presented in the best possible light to the court.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with criminal expungement in Ponca City, we encourage you to contact us today at 405.701.5355 for a consultation. We look forward to helping you get a fresh start!