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Can I get a Misdemeanor conviction off my record?

By: Erin Dohnalek

A misdemeanor conviction can lead to many adverse consequences, including barriers to employment, education, and sometimes even housing. However, in the State of Georgia, there are potentially three avenues available to restrict and seal (expunge) misdemeanors off your criminal record to help avoid these collateral consequences that are associated with misdemeanor convictions. They are as follows:

  1. Retroactive First Offender (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-66)
  2. Restrict and Seal Two Misdemeanor Convictions (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37)
  3. Vacate, Restrict, & Seal under the Survivors First Act (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-21, 35-3-37)

In this blog, we will focus on the 2021 change in the law here in Georgia that allows two misdemeanor convictions to be restricted and sealed under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

Process of Record Restriction

In Georgia, there are certain charges that cannot be restricted, even under the new law that allows for two misdemeanor convictions to be sealed from a client’s criminal history. These include sex crimes against children, pimping and pandering, crimes against minors, sexual battery, peeping tom crimes, family violence battery (unless the accused is under the age of 21 years old), child molestation, public indecency, hindering persons from making an emergency telephone call, certain theft cases, driving under the influence, and certain serious traffic offenses.

In order to be eligible to restrict misdemeanor convictions under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, you must not have any criminal convictions in the four years prior to requesting record restriction. You also must not have any pending charges and must have completed all terms and conditions of your sentence. Furthermore, Georgia only allows expungement for two lifetime misdemeanor convictions.

The first step in restricting and sealing a misdemeanor conviction is to petition the court to expunge your conviction if you meet all the eligibility requirements. It is up to the Judge’s discretion whether the conviction will be sealed. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney will meet with the client, learn their background, and understand why it is important to have their criminal record expunged. They will use this information to persuade the Court to grant their petition. If you are interested in having a misdemeanor conviction expunged, please go to your local police department or sheriff’s office and request your criminal history (GCIC) under the “E” code. This will assist an attorney in giving you the best possible options for record restriction.

Contact Us

Here at the Law Offices of W. Scott Smith, our attorneys are well-versed in all possible avenues for record restriction in the State of Georgia. Therefore, if you or a loved one are interested in expunging a misdemeanor conviction from your criminal history, please call our office at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

The Georgia First Offender Act

The First Offender Act is a progressive statute implemented by the State of Georgia where a person who has never been convicted of a prior felony offense can be sentenced on a pending charge, but subsequently, have those charges sealed by the court if he/she successfully completes their First Offender sentence.

According to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, the accused may be eligible under the First Offender Act if the following statements are true:

  • The accused has never been convicted of a felony;
  • The accused have never been previously sentenced under the First Offender Act;
  • The offense charged is not a serious crime committed against a law enforcement officer engaged in his/her duties;
  • The offense charged is not Driving Under the Influence (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391);
  • The offense charged is not a serious violent felony (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1);
  • The offense charged is not a serious sexual offense (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.2);
  • The offense charged is not related to child pornography (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-100.2);
  • The offense charged is not related to electronic sexual exploitation of a minor, computer pornography (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-100);
  • The offense charged is not trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46); and
  • The offense charged is not neglecting disabled adults or elderly people (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-101).

HOW IT WORKS

Trial counsel for the accused must ask the judge to sentence him/her under the First Offender Act. Then, the judge will consider whether to sentence the accused to First Offender after he/she hears arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. If the judge sentences the accused under First Offender, his/her official criminal history will describe the disposition of the crime charged as “First Offender” until the sentencing term is successfully completed. If the accused violates any conditions placed on him/her during their term of sentence, including committing another crime, the judge has the discretion to revoke the First Offender status. This means that the accused will be sentenced and convicted, which will be shown on his/her official criminal history. In revoking one’s status, the judge does have discretion to sentence the accused to the maximum penalty for the crime charged. However, if the term of sentence is successfully completed, the clerk of court will seal the offense charged from his/her official criminal history.

CONTACT US

At the Law Offices of W. Scott Smith, our attorneys are knowledgeable about the consequences of a criminal conviction on one’s record, as well as all possible options for our clients dealing with pending allegations. Therefore, if you have been recently arrested on a criminal charge or your case is currently pending, please call our office today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

Georgia’s New Second Chance Law – Misdemeanor Record Restriction (Expungement)

By: Mary Agramonte

A new expungement law is on the way, which will come as great news to the millions of Georgians who have a criminal history. Governor Kemp recently signed SB 288 into law after state leaders unanimously approved the bill. Georgia’s new “Second Chance Law” will become effective on January 1, 2021 providing Georgians with an opportunity to expunge certain misdemeanor cases, both a victory and a first in Georgia.

Georgia historically has not had favorable expungement laws on the books. Under current Georgia law, criminal convictions stay on a person’s record forever. Convictions never ‘age off’ no matter the time that has elapsed, or the strides made for rehabilitation. This places a staggering number of Georgians at a disadvantage for employment, housing, higher education, and other opportunities.

Georgia’s current law disallowing expungement has been troublesome for the hundreds of thousands of people who get caught up in our justice system each year. In fact, Georgia leads the nation, by far, in placing people on probation following conviction.  The United States Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that 433,200 people in Georgia were on probation at the end of 2018. According to Second Chance for Georgia https://www.secondchancegeorgia.org/ , 4.3 million people have a criminal record in Georgia. This means that an astounding 40% of Georgia’s adult population carry a criminal history through life, resulting in more than 1/3 of the State’s population having barriers to advancement in careers and other opportunities.

This new change in Georgia law will allow individuals to petition the court to have certain misdemeanor convictions restricted and sealed off their record after living a crime free life for four years. This is a process sometimes referred to as “expungement,” but is called “record restriction” in Georgia.  So long as a person has completed the terms of their sentence and has had no new convictions for at least four years, then SB 288 allows the individual to petition the Court to restrict the misdemeanor off their record.

Upon petition and a request for a hearing, the Court will conduct a balancing test to determine whether to restrict the misdemeanors off the criminal history. The hearing must take place within 90 days of the request. Under the new SB 288 law, the Court must grant the petition to restrict the criminal history records if it determines that the harm resulting to the individual clearly outweighs the public’s interest in the criminal history being publicly available. Factors such as the nature of crime, the loss of career opportunities, time elapsed since conviction, and proven rehabilitation will all become relevant inquiries for the Court.

Under SB 288, certain crimes will continue to be ineligible for record restriction in Georgia. This means that the following crimes cannot be expunged following a conviction:

  • Family Violence Assault and Battery
  • Family Violence Stalking
  • Hindering 911 call
  • Child Molestation or Enticing a child for indecent purposes
  • Public indecency
  • Pimping and pandering
  • Sexual Battery
  • Theft by Taking, Theft by Deception, Theft by Conversion
  • Serious Traffic Offenses (Reckless Driving, DUI, Homicide by Vehicle, Serious Injury by Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Aggressive Driving)

Crimes that will be eligible under the new law for potential record restriction include but are not limited to:

  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of Drug Related Objects
  • Shoplifting
  • Non-Domestic Battery and Assault
  • Minor in Possession of Alcohol
  • Giving False Name, False Report, or False Statement
  • Criminal Trespass
  • Loitering
  • Terroristic Threats
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Driving with a Suspended License

 

Some felonies are included in this expansion as well. For example, if someone has been convicted of a felony charge, but were issued a pardon, they too can petition a Judge to restrict and seal the charge off their record under the new law.

Who is eligible to petition the court for record restriction or expungement?

Anyone who was convicted of a misdemeanor crime, (other than the crimes explicitly exempt under the statute), and have had no new convictions in the past four years.

How many cases can I ask to be restricted?

Individuals will be allowed to petition the court for record restriction on two misdemeanor cases (a case can include multiple misdemeanor offenses under one accusation).

What happens if the Judge denies the request for record restriction?

You can request the record restriction again after waiting two years from the Judge’s denial.

How do I obtain record restriction under SB 288?

The new law requires you file a motion into the court you were convicted requesting the misdemeanor be restricted and expunged. A court order is required in order for your criminal history to be expunged under the new law.

Keep in mind that record restriction is not limited to misdemeanor convictions discussed in this blog under the new SB288 law and can be, at times, automatic. For example, if you were arrested after July 1, 2013, and the case against you was dismissed, or you were fully acquitted at trial, the charge will be automatically restricted when the clerk enters that disposition into the GCIC system. Arrests prior to July 1, 2013 that resulted in dismissal require a request and separate process for restrictions, but are eligible.

The best way to know what is on your criminal history is to request a copy of your GCIC under Purpose Code “E” from a local police department or sheriff’s office.  If you or a loved one is one of the millions of people carrying a criminal history through life in Georgia, the Second Chance law may come as a reprieve. The attorneys at W. Scott Smith are versed on all aspects of Georgia’s expungement and record restriction laws and are available for a FREE CONSULTATION by calling 404-581-0999.

Restoration of Rights and Pardons from the State of Georgia

by Mary Agramonte

Mary Agramonte is an attorney with W. Scott Smith P.C.

Mary Agramonte is an attorney with W. Scott Smith P.C.

A felony conviction on your record comes with many consequences. You served the time, but now you are finding more and more ways that your record is stopping you from getting to where you want to be. For example, convicted felons lose various civil and political rights. Felons cannot vote while they are still incarcerated or on parole or probation. A convicted felon is unable to run for and hold public office or serve on a jury.

In Georgia, felons can apply to restore these civil rights that were lost at the time of their conviction. The right to vote is automatically restored upon completion of the sentence. However, if you are looking to restore your civil and political rights, a special application must be submitted asking the State of Georgia to allow you to serve on a jury and hold a public office. To be eligible to have your civil and political rights restored, you must have completed your sentence within two (2) years prior to applying, and you must demonstrate that you have been living a law-abiding life. There is no fee to apply to have your civil and political rights restored through the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

If you are finding that your criminal history is following you, but that you are not eligible for Record Restriction, which is Georgia’s version of expungement, Georgia Record Restriction Blog there may be a way for you to advance in your employment and education, despite the felony conviction on your record. In limited circumstances, the State of Georgia can pardon your offense, which is an official forgiveness granted to you. The pardon does not expunge or erase the crime from your record. However, a pardon will serve as an Official Statement attached to your criminal record that states the State of Georgia has pardoned, or forgiven, your crime. The State will make this decision based on the fact that you have maintained a good reputation after completing your sentence, and have truly changed your life after the conviction. Pardons have a better chance of being granted if there is clear proof that the felony is disallowing your qualification for employment in your chosen field. An official pardon will also automatically restore your civil and political rights. In order to apply for a pardon, you must have completed your sentence at least five years ago, and have not gotten into trouble at all in the last five years. All restitution must be paid in full by the time you apply.  Letters of recommendation, school documents, resumes, and awards and certificates, are all helpful to show the State how important a pardon would be in your life.

There is no fee and the State uses the same application for restoring civil and political rights, and for pardons. The application can be found here: Restoration of Rights Application

Our law firm consists of seven criminal defense attorneys who represent individuals facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Georgia. We hope this information helps you restore your civil or political rights in Georgia. If you are currently facing criminal charges, our knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyers have what it takes to defend against the most serious offenses. Call us today for a free consultation at 404-581-0999.

Can My Criminal Record be Expunged? Record Restriction and Sealed Records in Georgia

by Mary Agramonte

We know how hard it is to rebuild your life when you have a criminal history following you. In Georgia, your complete criminal history is released for employment and licensing purposes, no matter how long ago you were arrested, unless your record is restricted or sealed. If you have recently been arrested and just want a second chance, Georgia has several options available. These options allow certain individuals who have been arrested to avoid having potential employers see their criminal record. Even if you were arrested in the past, you may be eligible to have your record restricted or sealed from people being able to access it.

Mary Agramonte is an attorney with W. Scott Smith P.C.

Mary Agramonte is an attorney with W. Scott Smith P.C.

Under Georgia’s Record Restriction law, O.C.G.A. §  35-3-37, you may be qualified to hide your arrest record from potential employers. This is available for you if your case was dismissed, not presented to a grand jury, twice no-billed by the grand jury, or if you had a trial and were found not guilty on each and every charge. If you were arrested after July 1, 2013, your record is automatically restricted, meaning your official Georgia criminal history report (GCIC)  will not be released to any employers or licensing boards. If you were arrested prior to July 1, 2013, and your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty on every charge, then you will need to apply to have your record restricted on your official criminal history report.

However, even if your record is restricted, your court records will remain in the clerk’s office as public records. Unfortunately, many employers do not use official background checks through GCIC. Instead, they use private companies. If your record is restricted, there is an additional step that is not automatic that can protect you and your criminal history from finding its way onto the internet and into the hands of potential employers. This process is known as petitioning the court to seal your records and can also be found under O.C.G.A. §  35-3-37(m).

There is another new and exciting law in place that truly helps individuals who have struggled with getting jobs over the years based on a conviction in their past. This is known as the Retroactive First Offender statute. To qualify, you must have been eligible for First Offender treatment, yet were not informed of it, and the prosecuting attorney must consent. If you were convicted of the crime or pled guilty to it in the past, Georgia only allows for record restriction if you are eligible under the Retroactive First Offender Statute.

We are experienced lawyers here to help. We know how hard it is to move on with your life when you have an arrest record or conviction holding you back. There are laws in place that help past offenders clean up their record and move on once and for all. If this is a new arrest, there are also several avenues to take if you are concerned about your criminal history and how it’s going to affect your career and your future. Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a FREE CONSULTATION to see how we can help with your criminal record.