Conneticut Expungemen Laws

When you've created a document or downloaded something onto your computer that you no longer want, you can simply hit the delete button to get rid of it. Even with "delete" the file doesn't actually disappear. Instead it goes to your recycle bin which can allow you to retrieve it if you change your mind. Only after deleting the contents of your recycle bin will the file be gone from your computer. This same principle applies to expungement of criminal and arrest records in the state of Connecticut. If the court order expungement is granted, the clerk of the court will essentially hit "delete" and erase those records.

Connecticut expungement can be granted to anyone whose criminal case has been pardoned by the governor, decriminalized or were found innocent of the charges. If the petition for expungement is granted than all files relating to that matter will be erased. These include court transcripts, arrest records and any documents from the prosecuting attorney pertaining to the matter. When this happens, as far as the court is concerned, your legal trouble never happened.

However, there are what the court considers to be extraordinary circumstances where an expunged record can be retrieved. This has to happen with a special court order. Typically this occurs when the person in question is thought to have committed perjury during their trial or if they are seeking remedy for false arrest.

The Connecticut expungement laws also apply to anyone who was charged with a crime as a juvenile who has been deemed a youthful offender with some exceptions. For youthful offenders, their records are automatically destroyed when they reach the age of 21 if they meet the same conditions of being found not-guilty. In matters where the youthful offender was prosecuted and found guilty those records are sealed unless ordered by a court to be opened as part of a new investigation.

In order to obtain an expungement the person with the record or their family heirs can petition the court where the matter was adjudicated. As with most court filings, any individual can obtain the proper documents and do the paperwork themselves. However, it is advised that you seek out the services of an experienced lawyer to make sure all the needs of the court are met. If you have the right to have your records expunged then you want to make sure the matter is handled swiftly and properly.