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Question
I'm trying to get my drug conviction expunged, but I don't have any of the court papers from the case. It happened back in 1993 and I can't afford the cost of getting the copies needed for the expungement process. Is there any way that I can obtain the court and/or arrest records from this case at no cost? Thank you for your help
Lenell
Lenell,
You have to realize that there are over a thousand courthouses in this country. All have different procedures about expungements. Your best bet is to make a simple visit to the courthouse where you were convicted and ask the clerk if there are any provisions for people who cannot afford the things you need.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
Please do NOT ask questions about potential jail sentences that you or your friends may receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer or a parole officer so questions about those subjects will be rejected. I am a police officer with 26 years experience. Can answer questions about crime, police procedure, investigations, criminal law, search and seizure, traffic offenses. Prefer not to answer questions on the death penalty. Please do not ask homework questions. Remember this. The law in every state is different so questions about laws that are specific to your state could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or not to do in court. I have worked with authors in the past and will be happy to review scenarios or plots with authors to check for believability or accuracy.
Experience
Police officer with 26 years experience. Ten years in patrol and sixteen years in the detective bureau investigating every type of crime including murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, etc, etc. Also taught at the police academy in areas such as constitutional law, search and seizure, and lineups.
Education/Credentials
B.S. in Criminology from the University of Maryland.
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