How do I erase my arrest record?

I am contacted by many clients who have been arrested but who were never charged with a criminal offense. They wish to have their arrest record cleared or erased so that it will not show up in an employment check or during a routine traffic stop. Also, having your arrest record cleared may help for immigration purposes.

There is a procedure for sealing and destroying an arrest record. It is generally a two step process that first involves petitioning the government agency involved in the arrest, and then, if necessary schedule a court hearing. If the petition is granted, the arrest record must be destroyed and taken out of the law enforcement data bases.

It is best to have an attorney handle this procedure since the government almost always opposes this request, and the procedure to have your arrest record destroyed may be difficult. At the Law Office of Russell S. Babcock, we have helped many people clear their arrest records, and we look forward to consulting with you regarding your case.