A Rhode Island Expungement Lawyer Who Can Help You Clear Your Record

Your life doesn’t end after you’ve been convicted of a crime. In fact, if yours was like the vast majority of cases, you’ve served your sentence and are back to living your life. But what does that look like now? What kind of future can you look forward to with this mark on your record? An expungement might be the right choice for you.

At the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Signore, our staff is led by The Rhode Lawyer. Our attorney, Lawrence Signore, takes on criminal and civil cases for Rhode Islanders, and he helps people seek better futures through expungements. If you think you’re out of options because you have a conviction on your record, our lawyer can help you look at your history and find out whether you can clear your criminal record.

Expungement Vs. Sealing Records

Record sealing may be possible for any case that resulted in a dismissal or not-guilty verdict. When you have your record sealed after a case, the information about your arrest and your trial is removed.

Expunging a record is different from sealing a record in one important way: Expungement is for convictions. If you have a conviction on your record and you’re eligible, you can have the records of that arrest destroyed. This means that they will not show up on a background search. You will not have to carry the black mark forever.

Eligibility For Expungement

In Rhode Island, there is a form for beginning the process for an expungement, and the state automatically reviews your criminal record for expungable offenses. The types of offenses that can be expunged are as follows:

• First-time offenses for misdemeanors after a five-year waiting period
• Criminal records for those with fewer than six misdemeanors after a 10-year waiting period
• A first-time felony offense, 10 years after sentence completion

Additionally, a conviction for a violent crime is ineligible for expungement. Once you know whether you are eligible for an expungement, our attorney can go to court for you to file for an expungement. This will initiate a hearing in which the judge will consider the facts of your sentence and your personal circumstances.

What Do You Want To Know About Expungements?

Attorney Signore has worked in the Rhode Island criminal justice system for years and can answer the difficult questions you might have. Below, he addresses a few of them.

Can I expunge multiple convictions in Rhode Island?

Yes. As mentioned above, if you have fewer than six misdemeanors, you can have them expunged.

How long does the expungement process take in Rhode Island?

Once you are eligible for expungement, the process may take between a few weeks and a few months to complete. The timeline might hinge on the availability of the courts. However, you will have to wait the requisite amount of time post-sentence before pursuing an expungement.

Will an expunged record show up on a background check in Rhode Island?

No. If the state expunges your conviction, it will appear as if you were never arrested.

Can I expunge a federal conviction in Rhode Island?

No. Federal offenses are generally not expungable.

What happens if my expungement petition is denied in Rhode Island?

If the court denies your expungement petition, then your record will remain unchanged. You can only pursue an expungement once the completion of your sentence is behind you. There is no consequence for petitioning to remove the record of the crime.

The Rhode Lawyer’s Road Map To A Better Future

After a conviction and release, your future is all you’ve got. It’s important to our attorney and staff that you know that you got one. He can help you with your expungement and find a better way forward. Reach out to us online or at 401-273-3000 to schedule a consultation with a seasoned criminal defense attorney.