How Can I Clean Up My Criminal Background Records?

States such as California require you to provide fingerprints to receive a copy of your criminal record.

There are state and federal criminal records. Criminal records may also be recorded into state and federal driving records if the crime involved a vehicle, such as a DUI. Most states give you an opportunity to expunge or challenge your criminal record. Begin the process by obtaining your criminal record in every state where you have a conviction. Obtain driving records if the crime involved a vehicle. Take the appropriate actions to erase your criminal record at every source.

Instructions

1. Contact the states in which you have a criminal record. Use the Internet and search for the state's Department of Justice. Search for the procedure to obtain your criminal record.

2. Obtain your driving record from the states in which you were convicted of a crime involving a vehicle. Use the Internet to search the state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for explicit instructions on how to obtain a driving record. Visit the federal National Driver Record, and print out the application to obtain your federal driving record.

3. Order your criminal and driving records in the appropriate manner. Many states allow you to request the records through the mail or over the Internet. You will be required to pay a fee and, in some cases, provide fingerprints at a police station.

4. Obtain your records. Read the information, and circle the crimes you would like cleared from your record.

5. Revisit the Department of Justice and Department of Motor Vehicles websites for the process to contest your record. Read the instructions carefully and make sure that you qualify. Some states will not allow you to erase certain records. Others require you to prove that you have been rehabilitated.

6. Gather the appropriate documents, and apply to have your criminal and driving records erased. Documents may include police clearances from other states, affidavits from parole officers or proof of participation in therapy or treatment.

7. File the paperwork in the appropriate manner, and pay any applicable fees. Send the application certified to protect your work.

References

• Ag.ca.gov: Request Your Own Criminal Background
• Acjic.state.al.us: How we Assist Citizens
• Lawlib.state.ma.us: Massachusetts Law About Criminal Records