Why is having your criminal record sealed important?
Anyone who has been charged with a crime can attest to the fact that punitive results don’t end after their trial and punishment period is over. Any type of conviction can affect a person’s current or future employment opportunities, housing, educational opportunities, voting, and even gun rights. We at the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata know that the stigma attached to being convicted of a crime can unfairly affect you long after you have paid your debt to society. An experienced attorney can help get your records sealed, thus lessening the chances that that record will haunt you forever. At our office we have successfully sealed hundreds of records!
What is Sealing of Records Exactly?
If you have a criminal history, having your records sealed limits the access others have to your history. Your criminal history will not show up in most ordinary background checks after your records are sealed. Once your records are sealed, employers, landlords and banks will not be able to access them when looking into your past. There are very few circumstances where your sealed records can be used such as criminal investigations or sentencing.
How is Record Sealing Different From An Expungement?
The main difference between a sealed record and an expunged record is that with an expungement, your record is destroyed. With a sealed record, the record still exists but is hidden from public view. While many use the term “expungement” interchangeably with “Sealing Records”, the state of Nevada does not allow for expungement, it does allow for your records to be sealed, with many of the waiting periods recently shortened significantly.
Am I Eligible?
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 179.245 deals with the sealing of criminal records. It sets forth who is eligible to have their records sealed and the process they must go through to do so. Sealing these records can be a long process and only certain records are allowed to be sealed, and then only if approved by the court. Different crimes carry with them different rules about record sealing.
There are some criminal offenses that are not able to be sealed in Nevada. These include:
Felonies involving the use of a deadly weapon
Felonies resulting in substantial bodily harm
Sexual offenses
DUI resulting in death or substantial bodily harm
Felonies where the victim was a minor under 18 years old
Felonies where the sentence included a prison term
The best way to determine if you are eligible to have your records sealed is by speaking to an attorney. Contact Garrett T. Ogata for a free consultation.
What are the benefits of sealing your Nevada Criminal record?
The main benefit is keeping your criminal record out of the public view. Many people are unaware that even if the charges are dismissed or the crime is pled down to a lesser offense, it will still show on a background check. You are typically asked for a background check when you apply for a job, volunteer position, professional license, or housing rental. Background checks are also common when applying for a loan or insurance. Sealing your records allows for you to continue building your future with fewer barriers from your past.
What do we do to make the process as quick and easy as possible?
Our team will offer professional advice and use our knowledge and experience to help achieve your goal. Our goal is to achieve complete record sealing with minimal involvement and inconvenience for you, the client!
First, we review and cross-reference the arrests that you have on your scope with the official court records. Once we have determined you are eligible for record sealing we draft all necessary documents required, and will make court appearances if necessary. Our office provides an onsite notary for your convenience when signing any documentation. We also offer discounts to prior clients.
Once everything is complete, we contact the court and all other entities involved so you can move on with your life without worrying that your past will continue to hinder your future.
Your Best Option Forward
In legal matters, timing is everything. When it comes to your defense don't wait until later. To get started now, contact our firm through one of the methods below and request a free consultation.