Having a criminal history is not something residents in Oregon and elsewhere desire. However, when individuals are convicted of a criminal charge, he or she will have to suffer the consequences associated with the charges. A criminal record could mean personal and professional consequences such as difficulties obtaining a job, housing or financial aid for school. Therefore, it is important to consider options that could alleviate or reduce the impacts a criminal charge could have.
Having a criminal history is not something residents in Oregon and elsewhere desire. However, when individuals are convicted of a criminal charge, he or she will have to suffer the consequences associated with the charges. A criminal record could mean personal and professional consequences such as difficulties obtaining a job, housing or financial aid for school. Therefore, it is important to consider options that could alleviate or reduce the impacts a criminal charge could have.
How do you get a conviction erased in Oregon? Expungement is the process that allows an individual to have a criminal conviction erased from court files. If an individual is determined to be eligible, in the eyes of the law, his or her arrest or conviction did not occur. Thus, the records of these events will no longer exist. There are three situations that could result in expungement or setting aside an arrest record or criminal conviction.
The first situation is when an offender is arrested but no charges are filed with the court. The process could help them set aside the arrest. The second situation is when the accused is arrested and charged with the crime, however, later the charges were dismissed or the defendant was found not guilty. In this matter, the defendant could have the arrest set aside. The last situation involves an arrest, criminal charge and a conviction by trial or plea. The defendant could have the conviction set aside through the Expungement process.
Once the Expungement process has been initiated, it takes roughly four to six weeks to complete. If a defendant is qualified to have their record set aside, he or she will be notified. Likewise, if they oppose to have the record set aside, the defendant will be informed and have the opportunity to have a hearing.
Having the opportunity to reduce the impacts caused by a criminal charge could greatly help a defendant. Therefore, it is imperative to consider defense options available at all stages in the criminal defense process. Having a conviction expunged could reduce penalties or have them entirely dismissed.
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