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Careers: Police/criminal record expungment?

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Expert: - 9/25/2005


Question
hi, i have some questions about my arrest record.
i was arrested and charged, but when i went to court, the charges were  withdrawn.

does the record of the arrest and finger prints stay on record? is it possible to have them removed. i went to the police station were i was booked and showed them the paper work that shows that the charge was withdrawn , and asked if they could destroy the records. is there still a record of this charge?

people at work have found out about my arrest record, and rumours are going around. this has been going on for about 2 years now, and i have since been cast aside in terms of advancement.

is there anything i can do to make this record go away. my life is being ruined, and i don't know what to do.  

Answer
Rob,

    There are fifty states as you know and most have different policies about criminal records and expungment.  But generally I can tell you that once you are arrested the record of that arrest does not disappear.  The expungement process obviously is different in every state and sometimes even in different counties.  So I am not sure why you waited two years but I think that I would be calling or visiting the county courthouse in the county where you were arrested and inquire whether you are eligible for expungement.  Another option would be to retain an attorney and let him handle it.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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