Dismissed charges and not guilty findings can almost always be expunged. It is important that if you are seeking to get a dismissed or not guilty charge expunged, you stay out of trouble for a year, otherwise there is a risk your expungement will be denied by the court.
A misdemeanor or felony conviction is classified as any sentence imposed by a judge that includes a fine, suspended sentence or incarceration. Even though probation or a deferred sentence does not necessarily mean you were convicted of a crime, per Rhode Island Law, they are treated the same way as convictions when it comes to expungement cases. Generally speaking, if you have a misdemeanor offense, it may be expunged five years after the completion of the sentence or probationary period. This includes probation, a suspended sentence, a deferred sentence, a stayed sentence or fines. A new Rhode Island Law came into effect on July 18, 2017 which allows up to 5 misdemeanors on a person’s record to be expunged.
If you have a felony on your record and received either probation, a deferred sentence, a suspended sentence or prison time, you may be able to get your record expunged ten years after the completion of the sentence or probationary period.
Current and potential employers, landlords, and even your family can view details about your case. Expungement can provide you a great opportunity for a fresh start. Contact Sheeley Law, an experienced criminal defense law firm, to see if you qualify to get your record expunged or sealed.