The New Expungement Laws in Oklahoma make sealing your criminal record much easier. For those who have a criminal record in Oklahoma, the new changes to expungement laws taking effect November 2019 come as good news indeed. While there are still limitations on who is eligible and what records can be expunged, it is now possible for many more people to have their criminal records expunged. This leads the way to many benefits, like being able to find a higher paying job because there is no longer a criminal history holding them back.
Seal Multiple Felony Charges at Once
With the new expungment laws in Oklahoma, it is now possible to have multiple felonies expunged, allowing Oklahoma residents to clear their criminal background, so they have increased job opportunities and other benefits. There are restrictions, however, to which felonies can be expunged. Violent felonies cannot be expunged, and there are some non-violent felonies that will not be eligible either. Depending on the felony the person was convicted of, it may be changed to a misdemeanor, which would mean they can have it expunged.
Shortened Time to Expunge Misdemeanors
The new law also makes it easier to expunge misdemeanor crimes and deferred sentences. Those who have a misdemeanor or deferred sentence will not have to wait as long to have the records expunged, allowing them to move forward with their life much faster. This is excellent for those who have not been in further trouble and would like a fresh start when looking for jobs or a place to live.
Retroactive Changes to Felony Convictions
Laws have changed in recent years, so crimes that were once a felony are now a misdemeanor. This mostly impacts the drug possession laws, as lawmakers are trying to convince people to get help for addictions instead of keeping them incarcerated. The new expungement law takes into consideration the changing severity of laws and retroactively changes these felonies to misdemeanors. This makes it easier for the person to have their records expunged and means they don’t have to wait as long for the expungement to be finalized.
The Expungement Process in Oklahoma
Those who want to have their criminal history expunged will need to make sure they qualify. The crimes cannot be violent felonies or other crimes that are disqualified from expungement. They also must have stayed out of legal trouble for a certain amount of time, seven years for a felony, for instance. They also cannot have current pending charges for a misdemeanor or felony. As long as they meet the requirements, the person can fill out the application for expungement. If approved, their records will be sealed by law enforcement agencies. The person will still need to have private companies retract information that may be available by letting them know about the expungement.
Expungement Lawyers in Tulsa Oklahoma
If you have a criminal history in Oklahoma, it might be worth checking into the expungement process now. Since the laws have changed, it’s much easier to have a record expunged, and more people are eligible now than ever before. Speak with a lawyer today to learn more about if you qualify to seal your past under the new expungement laws in Oklahoma