Bentonville Expungement Lawyer 

Helping Clients Throughout Benton County Expunge Their Criminal Records 

When someone says, “Your reputation precedes you,” you want this statement to reflect your positive attributes and contributions, not your past mistakes. 

Unfortunately, a criminal record can have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of your life. Not only does it affect your social relationships, but it also limits your employment opportunities and may prevent you from renting or buying property.

I firmly believe that every person deserves a second chance at happiness in a life that isn’t determined by the circumstances of their past. As a dedicated Bentonville expungement lawyer with a criminal defense and prosecution background, I have the legal experience to effectively review your case and help you file an effective petition. If you’re ready to take the first step, hire Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, today.

What is an Expungement? 

Luckily, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed, or “expunged,” depending on your circumstances and the aggressiveness of your Benton County legal team. 

An expungement removes the history of specific charges and convictions from your criminal record. While the physical record still exists, you can legally claim the offense never happened. Your prior criminal history won’t appear on any background checks unless you’re applying for a caregiving role or a government position.

Call Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law  today at  (479) 777-0640 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our expungement attorney in Bentonville!

Can I Get My Record Expunged? 

Unfortunately, not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. This is why it’s essential that you discuss your case with an experienced and knowledgeable Benton County defense attorney before filing your petition.

You May Be Eligible for Record Expungement Under the Following Stipulations:

• You were charged as a first-time offender, plead guilty, and completed probation
• You were charged with an offense that was dismissed
• You were acquitted at trial

Can a Misdemeanor Be Expunged?

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you only have to wait 60 days to request a record sealing so long as you have fulfilled all the conditions and court orders associated with your sentence. However, there are exceptions to this rule,

You May Have to Wait Five Years to Seal the Following Offenses:

• Class A negligent homicide
• Indecent exposure
• Battery in the third degree
• Domestic battery in the third degree
• Sexual assault in the fourth degree
• Driving while intoxicated
• You can request an expungement after 5 years for Class C or Class D felonies

What Crimes Cannot Be Expunged in Arkansas?

However, as previously mentioned, not all records qualify for expungement.

You May Not Be Eligible for Record Expungement If:

• Your case is still open
• You have multiple felony convictions
• You have not fulfilled all the necessary court orders and conditions associated with your sentence
• You committed a Class Y felony
• You committed a capital offense
• You have murder, rape, or kidnapping convictions on your criminal record

How to Expunge Your Record in Arkansas

To expunge your criminal record in Arkansas, you will need to follow these steps:

• Determine if you are eligible for expungement
• Obtain your criminal record: You must obtain a copy from the Arkansas State Police. This can be done online or by mail.
• Complete the necessary forms: You must complete a petition for expungement and file it with the court in the county where you were convicted.
• Serve notice: You will need to serve notice of the petition to the prosecutor and any victims of the crime.
• Attend a hearing: A judge will review your petition and may schedule a hearing. You will need to attend the hearing and present evidence supporting your petition.
• Wait for a decision: The judge will consider your petition and any evidence presented at the hearing before deciding whether to grant your expungement.

If your petition is granted, your criminal record will be sealed and no longer visible to the public. It is important to note that certain government agencies and employers may still be able to access your sealed record for certain purposes, such as law enforcement background checks.

Contact Our Bentonville Expungement Attorney Today

When your future is on the line, it’s imperative that you seek compassionate and experienced legal representation to help you file your “Petition and Order to Seal.” I can review your case, determine if your charges and convictions are eligible for record sealing, and even represent your case in court. 

Contact Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law today to schedule a FREE consultation with our expungement lawyer in Bentonville!