All criminal convictions generate a background history that can have serious negative impact on the defendant. This is even true for those who are not convicted of a charge when the documentation of their arrest still exists in the system. Background reports can include indictments and charges as well as conviction records, all of which former defendants may want removed from their record after the case is adjudicated. This expungement process in Connecticut can amount to an absolute pardon when the request is finally ordered by the court. While many states only allow for a sealing of the record from public viewing, Connecticut actually removes the record and destroys all criminal documentation associated with the individual.
Rules for expungement
Connecticut has established specific rules as a requirement for expungement eligibility. Qualifications are based on the petitioner as opposed to the individual case. Firstly, the petitioner must not have an open pending criminal case within the court system. In addition to any pending criminal defense situation, there must have been three years since the last criminal conviction for misdemeanor cases; the time allowance is five years for felony convictions. Petitioners must also not be on probation or parole at the time of the request.
Certificate of employability
One of the reasons many Connecticut residents who have been charged with a crime will want expungement is employment prospects. Unlike other states, Connecticut actually issues a certificate of employability in association with the completion of a criminal case when an expungement petition has been successfully presented to the court. This can be vital for those convicted of a felony when applying for work with a company that restricts felons from employment positions.
Anyone who has been convicted of a crime or even been charged in the state of Connecticut should research whether there is still a record of their case. There could easily be defamatory information still available in the public file that could be sealed from exposure.
