As a criminal record expungement attorney, I am passionate about helping my clients clear their records and move on with their lives. I have a special interest in helping veterans, who have served our country and deserve to have their records expunged in recognition of their service.

In this blog post, I will discuss the eligibility requirements for expungement for military service, how to file an expungement petition, and what to expect at your expungement hearing. I will also provide some tips for veterans who are seeking expungement.

Eligibility Requirements for Expungement for Military Service

To be eligible for expungement for military service, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
• You must have been honorably discharged from the military.
• You must have a criminal conviction that occurred before you entered the military or during your service, but not after you were discharged.
• The conviction must be for a misdemeanor or a felony that is not considered a serious or violent crime.

How to File an Expungement Petition

To file an expungement petition, you will need to contact the court where you were convicted. The court will provide you with the necessary paperwork and instructions.

In your petition, you will need to explain why you want your record expunged and how expungement will benefit you. You will also need to provide documentation of your military service and your honorable discharge.

Once you have filed your petition, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case to a judge. The judge will then decide whether to grant or deny your petition.

What to Expect at Your Expungement Hearing

At your expungement hearing, you will need to be prepared to answer questions from the judge about your criminal conviction and your military service. You should also be prepared to present any evidence that supports your case.

The judge will consider all of the evidence before making a decision. If the judge grants your petition, the court will order your criminal record to be expunged. This means that your conviction will be erased from your record and you will be able to say that you have never been convicted of a crime.

Tips for Veterans Seeking Expungement

Here are some tips for veterans who are seeking expungement:

• Gather all of your documentation before you file your petition. This includes your DD 214, which is your certificate of honorable discharge.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your criminal conviction and your military service.
• Be honest and upfront with the judge.
• If you have any questions or concerns, consult with an experienced criminal record expungement attorney.

Benefits of Expungement for Veterans

There are many benefits to having your criminal record expunged, especially for veterans. Expungement can help you get a job, find housing, and obtain a professional license. It can also help you improve your credit score and reduce your insurance rates.

In addition, expungement can help you restore your reputation and move on with your life. As a veteran, you deserve to have a clean record that reflects your service to our country.

Conclusion

If you are a veteran with a criminal conviction, you may be eligible for expungement. Expungement can help you improve your life in many ways. If you are considering expungement, I encourage you to contact an experienced criminal record expungement attorney to discuss your options.