This article is the fourth and final in our series on Oklahoma Background Checks and what you can do to control how yours is viewed by the public.
In our first article, we defined what is a background check in Oklahoma, and what information these reports contain. In our second article, we explained how easily employers, landlords, and universities can conduct a background check and access your personal profile. Our last article explained that all hope is not lost and that you can actually control what information is available to the public on your criminal history personal profile.
In this article, we will explain you can hire a lawyer to control the information on a background check in Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, you can hire a lawyer to legally keep certain information off your public records
There is a legal process in Oklahoma that allows people to cover up certain information on their background check. Oklahoma law refers to this process as “Expungement.”
An expungement is an official sealing of information from public access. To obtain an expungement, a person must first meet the eligibility requirements under the expungement laws. If a person is eligible, they can proceed with the process. If you are not eligible, you need to know why? Is it because the crime is not eligible? Or is it because not enough time has passed since the case was closed? Find out the answers to these questions before you just give up and quit. This is where calling a lawyer can really help you out.
The Benefits of Talking to an Expungement Lawyer
Here is why you should contact an expungement lawyer: First, you can determine if your record is eligible for expungement. And if it is not eligible, you can find out why not, and will it be eligible in the future? How long do you have to wait?
Second, you can than get a price quote on how much the process will cost. While you have the lawyer on the phone, find out exactly how much the entire process will cost. You should ask how much the lawyer charges, and what court costs apply, such as court clerk filing fees. Find out about any other costs, as municipalities may also charge processing fees, and it varies from city to city.
Finally, you should also ask about the lawyer’s experience in handling record sealing cases. Ask him how long it will take and what you can expect. In this one phone call you should be able to get a lot of information. If you do not get all of your questions answered in this one phone call, move on to the next lawyer.
When you hire a lawyer, you should explore the possibility of expunging as much information as legally possible, including all state and municipal arrests and charges, as well as any domestic relations cases, such as victim protective orders that were filed during a divorce or domestic proceeding.
The true benefit of hiring a lawyer, for any case, is peace of mind. You no longer have to shoulder the mental load of worrying about your legal case. And with expungements, you should think of it as an investment.
By hiring an expungement lawyer, you are taking control of your future, you are taking control of your privacy, and you are owning your brand as opposed to letting the government decide what other people should think about you.
If you would like a free eligibility screening, simply complete this form. Once we receive your form, we will schedule a consultation. This can be done in person or over the phone, if more convenient. After your initial consultation, you will know exactly how much the entire expungement will cost.