If you have a misdemeanor conviction in Tennessee, it can negatively impact your life in many ways, from employment opportunities to housing applications. Fortunately, Tennessee law allows for expunging a misdemeanor under certain circumstances.
Expungement means the legal record of your conviction is sealed and can no longer be accessed by the public. Our criminal defense lawyer in Nashville at The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson can guide you through the expungement process.
Expungement Process for Misdemeanor Cases
In Tennessee, certain misdemeanor convictions can be expunged if you meet specific requirements. These include most Class A and Class B misdemeanors.
However, certain offenses, such as domestic assault and DUI, may not be eligible. It’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable lawyer to determine eligibility.
Here’s how the expungement process works:
Step 1 – Obtain your criminal record: You’ll need to request a copy of your criminal history and the court where you were convicted.
Step 2 – Determine eligibility based on your record: Carefully review your criminal history to ensure you meet the requirements for expungement. This includes waiting periods, completing probation, and paying all fines and restitution.
Step 3 – File a request for expungement with the appropriate court: You’ll need to prepare and file a petition for expungement with the court that handled your case. This petition will include your personal information, criminal history, and reasons for seeking expungement.
Step 4 – Pay any required fees (including fee waiver options): There may be filing fees associated with the expungement process. However, if you cannot afford the fees, you can request a fee waiver.
The expungement process involves several steps, but with the help of a Nashville criminal defense attorney, it can be made much simpler.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Assist
The TN expungement process can be complex and time-consuming. Bryan, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Nashville, has extensive experience helping clients achieve successful expungement of a misdemeanor. He understands the importance of a clean record and is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Contact us today for a consultation to know how you can get your misdemeanor expunged.