A criminal conviction can haunt you for years. It can stop you from getting the best jobs available and even limit your educational prospects and housing options. Unless you take action, that blemish on your record could impact the rest of your life.
Thankfully, Connecticut does recognize that people can change their ways after a criminal conviction. You potentially have the right to request an expungement of your record, also known as an Absolute Pardon. However, you will generally have to wait for a while to secure that expungement of your record.
Some people are eligible for expedited expungement
For those accused of crimes where there is no victim, Connecticut may allow an expungement earlier than in scenarios where there is a specific victim for the criminal offense. Those with non-violent offenses may be eligible for an Expedited Review in some cases.
Expunging a misdemeanor
Those with a misdemeanor conviction on their record will typically have to wait at least three years from the date of disposition before they can request an expungement. It is also standard for the state to require that a person’s requesting an expungement does not have any criminal convictions that initial offense and but they don’t have any pending criminal charges.
Expunging a felony offense
Most states have strict limitations on the offenses that can be expunged, and it is common for felony offenses to not qualify for expungement. However, Connecticut will allow people to expunge a previous felony provided that it’s been five years since the date of disposition for the offense.
Getting an expungement of your record can allow you a fresh start and to make it easier for you to get better jobs now that you put your criminal past behind you. Find out how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you get there.