Douglas J. Smith, Attorney in Norman, Oklahoma handles Felony and Misdemeanor Expungement cases for Cleveland County District Court.

     An Expungement is the sealing of records so they are unavailable except to the petitioner and criminal justice agencies as listed in Oklahoma statutes. An expungement can apply to arrests, charges and convictions and any court proceedings.  In order to obtain an expungement, a petition and order must be filed with the court where the conviction occurred indicating certain information including identification of the defendant, the court, the law enforcement agency involved. You must not have been convicted of or the subject of a case for a certain number of years, depending on the nature of the record you are seeking to expunge.

     An arrest, charge or criminal conviction on your record can negatively impact your life and professional career. However, if certain criteria are met, an expungement can clear your criminal record so past mistakes do not interfere with your future. An expungement also prevents you from having to face the embarrassment of a negative background check by prospective employer, lenders, and others.

      The benefits of an Expungement may include:

      Providing closure;

      Allowing an individual to legally answer "No" to a potential employer or other

      background checker when asked if he/she has been convicted of an offense;

      Allowing an individual to become eligible for a broader range of training certificates

      and professional licenses.

      Allowing an individual to become eligible for student loans;

      Allowing a person to become eligible for housing assistance.

      An expungement can result in better employment, a clearer path to a professional license, and peace of mind.   

For more information about the Expungement process for the Cleveland County District Court, contact Douglas J. Smith at (405) 360-2660 to help you put your past behind you for good.

Expungements - Sealing of Records