Bend Expungement Attorney
Providing Experienced Counsel to Clients Throughout Deschutes County
Having a criminal conviction on your record can have a serious impact on your life. It can make it difficult to find a job, get a loan, or even rent an apartment. If you have a prior criminal conviction, you may be able to have it removed from your record through a process known as expungement.
At Ward & Grover, our expungement lawyer in Bend can help you determine if you qualify for expungement and guide you through the process. We have a comprehensive understanding of this area of law and can help you make well-informed decisions at each stage of the process. You can rely on us to provide you with the caring and effective representation you deserve.
Do you have a criminal record? Call (541) 312-5150 or online to learn about your eligibility for expungement.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a court-ordered process that seals a criminal conviction from your record. If your conviction is expunged, you can legally say that you have not been convicted of a crime. However, your record will not be completely erased. Certain people and entities will still have access to your sealed record.
Your sealed record can still be viewed by:
- The court
- Law enforcement agencies
- Criminal justice agencies
- Public employment agencies
- State bar associations
- Other employers who are required by law to conduct background checks
Even though certain people and entities can still see your sealed record, you do not have to disclose that you were convicted of a crime on most job applications. In addition, your sealed record cannot be used against you in court.
What Crimes Can Be Expunged?
Not all criminal convictions can be expunged. In fact, most felony convictions are not eligible for expungement. In general, only criminal convictions that are classified as misdemeanors can be expunged.
Crimes that are commonly expunged include:
- Minor drug offenses
- Petty theft
- Shoplifting
- Public intoxication
- Disturbing the peace
- Simple assault
- Reckless driving
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
Keep in mind, however, that not all misdemeanor convictions can be expunged. In Oregon, for example, you cannot have a DUI conviction expunged.
How to Expunge a Criminal Record
While it is possible to file for expungement without an attorney, the process can be confusing and time-consuming. If you make a mistake on your application or fail to provide the necessary documentation, your application could be denied. That is why it is in your best interest to hire a skilled attorney to handle your expungement.
Our attorney can help you with the following:
- Determining if you are eligible for expungement: To be eligible for expungement, you must have completed all the terms of your sentence, including any probation or parole. You must also wait a certain amount of time after your conviction to file for expungement. The amount of time you have to wait depends on the type of crime you were convicted of and whether or not you have any prior convictions. Our attorney can review your case and determine if you are eligible for expungement.
- Preparing your application: If you are eligible for expungement, our attorney can help you prepare your application. We can help you gather the necessary documents and fill out the application correctly. We can also help you obtain court records, if necessary.
- Representing you at your hearing: If your application is approved, you will need to attend a hearing. Our attorney can represent you at the hearing and present evidence on your behalf. We will do everything we can to help you obtain the expungement you need to move forward with your life.
Why Choose Ward Grover?
Committed, Zealous & Compassionate Representation
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Known in the Community as a Trusted Law Firm
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We Provide Personal Attention to Every Client
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We Handle Cases at Both State and Federal Levels
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Our Team Consists of Criminal Defense Specialists
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Our Firm Is Focused on Criminal Defense
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We Have over 50 Years of Combined Experience
Recent Case Results
Let Us Work Towards a Favorable Outcome
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Not Guilty Jury Verdict Menacing
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Not Guilty Jury Verdict Reckless Driving
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Not Guilty Jury Verdict Att. Rape I, Sex Abuse I (Measure 11), Sex Abuse III, Assault IV x 2
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Not Guilty Jury Verdict Assault IV
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Case Dismissed Assault and Harassment
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Not Guilty Verdict Private Indecency, Criminal Mistreatment I x2 (Felony)