If you have been charged with a crime, you will likely be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is typically considered a less severe offense and may carry lighter penalties, like minimal jail time, community service, or fines. Felonies are considered more severe and come with harsher penalties, like long sentences in jail and hefty fines.

Both felonies and misdemeanors are categorized by grades, with first-degree being the most severe. In general, misdemeanor offenses are easier to expunge from your record, meaning they will be destroyed and not public records anymore. Felony offenses may be more difficult to expunge, although it is not impossible.

Having a felony conviction on your record can impact your ability to get a job, find housing, or take out a loan. Because you must disclose felony convictions on applications, employers and administrators may discriminate against you unfairly. Fortunately, expunging your record means that your criminal record is destroyed and can no longer be looked up by members of the public.

Low-level felony convictions that are non-violent and non-sexual are typically eligible for expungement. To apply, individuals must file an application with the court and wait for an expungement hearing. During the hearing, the prosecution may object to the expungement, so it’s essential to have an experienced attorney present.