Putting the Past Behind
One of the challenges of a criminal record is that it can follow you for years, having a negative impact on your job prospects, educational opportunities and other important things in life. In some cases, though, the adverse effects of a criminal conviction can be reduced or removed. Record expungements and pardons can accomplish these purposes.
Lord Law Firm, LLC, provides legal representation in matters of expungements and pardons, and we also offer aggressive defense against criminal charges and traffic violations of all kinds. Contact us for confidential advice about your criminal matter.
Expungement: Remove Criminal Convictions From Your Record
Record expungement is an official term for the removal of a criminal conviction from a person's record. Sometimes known as record sealing, it involves a legal process that can be undertaken with the help of a lawyer. While expungements are powerful, they are only available to a narrow group of people who qualify — typically individuals with first offense misdemeanors like marijuana possession, domestic offenses and traffic violations — and they require an offense-free waiting period of at least three years in South Carolina.
If you qualify for and pursue a record expungement, your criminal conviction will be erased as if it never happened, following the required waiting period. We have helped students and other individuals receive expungements and use other means of protecting their future, and we can help you understand whether you qualify.
Pardons: Regain Important Rights and Privileges
Criminal pardons, which are generally used in cases of felony convictions, are granted by special boards, or by a state governor or U.S. president. Pardons are more difficult to receive and they do not erase a criminal conviction, but they can be valuable for people who wish to regain voting rights, hold political office or receive certain occupational licenses. To receive a pardon, a person with a conviction has to submit an application and be interviewed by a pardoning parole board and satisfy a waiting period.
At Lord Law Firm, we can help you pursue a pardon if it is in your best interests. We can also defend you strongly against any criminal charges you are currently facing.
Contact a Lexington Criminal Pardon Attorney
If you have questions about sealed criminal records and pardons, or about any other criminal matter, Lord Law Firm can provide confidential advice. Call us at 803-407-4140 to speak to Columbia expungement attorney and former law enforcement officer Ray Lord.
