If you have been convicted of a crime in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the stress of court, serving time, and paying fines may be only the beginning of your difficulties. Having a criminal record can hold you back long after your sentence is completed. You could benefit from expungement of your Okmulgee Ok court records.
Employment and Background Checks
Oklahoma is an “employment-at-will” state. That means that in general, you can be discharged from a job for any reason at all unless that discharge is either unlawful or in contradiction with another agreement that governs your job. Thus, you can be fired for your criminal record.
Employers ask about criminal convictions in a number of different ways on employment applications. Some employment applications ask whether you have ever been convicted of a felony. Others ask if you have ever been charged with a felony. Still others ask if you have been convicted of any crime.
If you have been convicted of a crime, it will show up on a background check unless it is expunged from Okmulgee Ok court records. This can make it extremely difficult to get and keep a good paying job post conviction, which can make it difficult to turn your life around.
If you lie about the conviction and an employer finds out, you could lose your job. Employers hate being lied to, and they naturally distrust ex-cons. Either way, you’re doomed in this aspect of life without legal help.
There are other reasons to consider an expungement in Oklahoma. Landlords routinely use background checks. Thus, a conviction that shows up in a background check may mean that you won’t get the apartment you want.
Finally, though you may not realize it, a criminal conviction can make it more difficult and more expensive to get financing. Do you need a new car? Be prepared to pay more in interest if you can get the loan at all.
In just about any environment in which a background check is used, an expungement will help. An expungement can seal your Okmulgee Ok court records from public view.
New laws in Oklahoma make it easier than ever to expunge your non-violent criminal record and move on with your life. Although the process of getting a court records expungement can be complicated, it can be the ticket to a life free of the stigma of your past. Okla. Stat. tit. 22 § 18
Not only will your records be sealed, but also new legislation makes it all right for you to tell a prospective employer — or anyone else — that you have not been convicted of a crime if you are asked. Okla. Stat. tit. 22 § 19
Your employer cannot fire you for having lawfully answered that you have not been convicted of a crime. It is as if the crime and conviction never happened, which has a direct and positive effect on your ability to move on.
Other Benefits of Expunging Okmulgee Ok Court Records
There are other areas that can be affected by a criminal record and by its expungement. Certain professional licenses may be available to you again. You may qualify for the restoration of your firearms rights. You may be able to vote again, and obtain a liquor license again.
For all these reasons, and for the restoration of your privacy and peace of mind, you may want to consider seeking an expungement in Oklahoma.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Ok Court Records Expungement
If you or a loved one needs to speak with an Okmulgee criminal defense attorney about expunging court records in Oklahoma, call 918-756-9600 now for a low-cost consultation.
Or, enter your legal question or concern in the form at the top right of this page, and one of our attorneys will promptly return your message.
