As people, we are bound to make mistakes. Some of us have made our fair share, while others may be first-time offenders. These mistakes—big or small—can have lasting consequences that often follow you for the rest of your life. But, wherever you fall along the spectrum, you don’t deserve to be haunted by your past forever. There is a solution for those looking to move forward and erase their previous offenses. This is known as sealing records.

What does sealing a record mean?

To seal your record is to ensure that the record cannot be found by any normal means. If you were being considered for a job position, the employer would not be able to look into the record in question during a background check. Because they are sealed and virtually inaccessible, you would also be able to legally deny that your offense on the record ever happened. However, sealing a record doesn’t eliminate the file itself. The record can be discovered again, but only through a court order or government agency.

The most common mistake previous offenders make when sealing records is deciding not to hire a criminal defense lawyer. If you had electrical problems in your home, would you blindly attempt to fix them yourself, or do it right the first time by hiring a professional? Refusing to consult a proper attorney can create a series of problems, and ultimately leave you in a more difficult situation. Many non-lawyers forget necessary steps and incorrectly file documents when attempting to seal a record on their own. These costly mistakes may be expensive to correct, or even impossible to repair.

Seal your Record with an Experienced Attorney

When it comes to putting your past away, don’t settle for anything less than a specialist. Hiring an experienced attorney is the only way to ensure that your case is handled in accordance with the law, and that all requirements needed to seal your records are properly met. You need a criminal defense lawyer who can ensure that your records get sealed, and stay that way. Seal your record once, right, and with an attorney. Contact us today.