Go to Step 1.

Need more information? Click on a topic below:

• What can I expect from this interview?
• How do I know if I have my client's complete criminal history?
• I am new to criminal records. What else should I know?
  • Reading criminal records can be complicated.
  • Criminal records are not always accurate and should be verified. Fixing mistakes does not usually require filing for expungement.

 
     Go to Step 2.

Need more information? Click on a topic below:

• What can I expect from this interview?
• Can any case be expunged? What about convictions?
• I need help determining the final disposition of one or more of my client's criminal records.
• What should I know about service and filing?

 
     Go to Step 3.

Need more information? Click on a topic below:

• What can I expect from this interview?
• How should I prepare and send my reconsideration request?

• Appeals: Assist your client with an appeal if the petition was denied, using Step 3 (above).
• New Laws: Be aware of how new laws may impact your client. Click here for a brief summary of new legislation.
• Community Resources: Tell your client about the many helpful resources available within the community.  Click here for a list of community services available to people with criminal records.

A: Before beginning your HotDocs petition, please review the Council on Crime and Justice's summary of expungement basics by clicking here.

A: Not necessarily. The interviews are broken up into three chronological steps. If you already have your client's full criminal history, you can skip Step 1 and go directly to Step 2. Step 3 is only required if you need to request reconsideration after a judicial order.