Write an article based on this "Know what expungement does. Consider sealing your record. Consider seeking a pardon. Consider a certificate of innocence. Get a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Understand who's eligible for expungement."
article: Most criminal conviction records are available to anyone who wants to search for them. Expunging your record will alter your record, removing or diminishing many offenses. The details about how the state manages your criminal record after expungement will depend on your state. Regardless of where you live though, expungement allows you to legally answer that you do not have a criminal record. This is important for employment or rental applications. In some states like Michigan, the court removes records of the crime from public inspection. In other states like California, you cannot erase a criminal record from public view. But, the disposition of the case will show that the court dismissed the case. An expunged conviction will often remain on your criminal record for certain purposes. This includes sex offender registration and immigration. Expunging" a criminal record is different from "sealing" it. When a court "seals" a criminal record, it removes documents that are ordinarily be available for public inspection. As a consequence of expungement, the proceedings related to the case will be treated as though they never occurred. The state may ultimately destroy records. A sealed record still exists, but will not viewable through ordinary means. Both record sealing and expungement allow you to declare that you do not have a conviction. The first step in getting a record sealed is to petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you, or the court. In California, for example, you must fill out a form and return it to the applicable law enforcement agency. If the law enforcement agency does not provide relief, you must petition the court. In other states like Massachusetts, it is possible to seal your criminal record by mail. Or, you can petition the court directly. The process of sealing a criminal record is different depending on the state. In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. To give yourself the best possible chance of getting the outcome you want, it's advisable to work with an attorney. Individuals who have been convicted of a crime may apply for a pardon. If granted, a pardon may restore certain rights such as the right to serve on a jury as well as the right to bear arms. In some states like California, a pardon will relieve you of your duty to register as a sex offender. Generally, applicants for pardons must complete probation or parole. A certain period of time must then pass without further criminal activity. A pardon does not necessarily seal or expunge a criminal record. It does not allow a pardoned person to answer on employment applications that s/he has no record of a criminal conviction. A pardon is a gesture of forgiveness that restores certain rights. Pardons are becoming increasingly rare. In some states like California, individuals with criminal records may apply for a direct pardon. You can get applications for direct pardon's from their state governor's office. In other states, like Arkansas, applications are available online. A certificate of actual innocence goes further than a regular expungement. It proves that you were innocent, and that the conviction or arrest never should have happened in the first place. The requirements for obtaining a certificate of innocence will vary depending on your state. If you are able to meet your states requirements, you can ask for this certificate. In some states, if you have already had your record expunged, you may not be eligible for a finding of factual innocence. In states like California, you are eligible if you were arrested but the prosecutor never filed criminal charges. You might also be eligible if the court dismissed your case, or if a jury acquitted you. In some states, to get a petition of factual innocence you must petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Usually this must occur within a specified period of time after the arrest. In California, for example, you must do so within two years after the arrest. If the law enforcement agency denies your request, you can then petition the court to grant your request. In most cases, a judge will make the decision at a hearing. It is advisable to work with an attorney. You may consider contacting your public defender's office. Depending on your specific case, some public defenders' offices may be able to assist you. In some states, you can get a Certificate of Rehabilitation to clear up your criminal record. This is a court order declaring that you have been rehabilitated. A certificate of rehabilitation restores certain rights forfeited because of a criminal conviction. It can result in improved access to state occupational licensing programs. It may also relieve certain sex offenders from their duty to register. In some states like California, a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an automatic application for a Governor's Pardon. In many states, to get a Certificate of Rehabilitation you must file a petition with the court. For example, in California you must submit letters of character and other documents as part of the petition. Every state has different requirements about who is eligible for expungement. Expungement exists to clear the records of people who probably won't receive further convictions. The following circumstances generally make someone eligible for expungement: Being a first-time offender Having an arrest or misdemeanor conviction, as opposed to a felony conviction Being a juvenile at the time of conviction Having already served out the sentence Going a year without further offenses after conviction Having a drug offense

Write an article based on this "Install cylinder guards around the lock cylinders (the part where you insert the key). Replace flimsy strike plates. Secure exposed hinges. Fortify your frame."
article:
Burglars can sometimes remove or damage lock cylinders by hammering, wrenching, or prying. Protect these with metal guard plates or protective rings on both sides of the door. Install guard plates with round-head carriage bolts to prevent them from being unscrewed. Free-spinning rings around the cylinders will prevent the use of a pipe wrench to twist out the cylinder. Many locks come with these already, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase them. The strike plate is the metal plate that surrounds the lock-set (the hole in the door frame where the lock bolt enters). All exterior doors should have heavy-duty metal security strike plates secured by four 3-inch screws. Many homes are built with lower quality strike plates or have strike plates that are secured with short screws that just attach to the door jamb, not the underlying stud. Hinges should be on the inside of the door. If yours are not, rehang the door or secure the exposed hinges with non-removable pins. You can do this by removing at least the two center screws of the hinge (on each side) and replacing them with non-removable hinge pins (you can get these at the hardware store) or double-headed masonry nails. Even hinges that are not exposed should be secured to the frame with 3-inch screws. Even if your door is strong and has high-quality, properly installed locks, a burglar may be able to gain entry by breaking or prying the door frame. Most door frame moldings are simply tacked to the wall, so a crowbar or a solid kick can easily separate the frame from the wall. Secure your door frames to the walls by installing several 3-inch screws along the frame and doorstop. The screws should reach the wall stud.