Criminal Record Sealing / Pardons

Connecticut Record Sealing Can Give You a Second Chance

For many people convicted of a crime in New Haven, the toughest consequence is not the jail time, huge fines, or strict probation terms. While all of these penalties can be devastating in their own way, it is the lifelong criminal record that may have the most lasting impact on your life.

In Connecticut, a criminal record can follow you wherever you go, making it difficult for you to find employment, obtain house, or apply for a loan. Most criminal histories are a matter of public record in our state and can be accessed by employers, landlords, and others upon special request.

Fortunately, state law does give you the option of erasing or sealing your criminal record in certain circumstances. In Connecticut, the process of erasing or expunging your criminal record is referred to as a pardon. If you are approved for a Connecticut expungement pardon, it will be as though your arrest, charge, or conviction never happened and you can lawfully say you no longer have a criminal record.

During my time working in the Connecticut criminal justice system, I have witnessed first hand how a criminal record can impact your life. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and I take pride in helping clients get back on the right track through the process of expunging their criminal record.

To learn more about applying for a criminal expungement pardon in New Haven and the surrounding area, get in touch with me at The Law Office of Douglas D. Rudolph. I can discuss your unique circumstances and guide you through the steps of the pardon process to increase the likelihood of your application being approved. We can navigate the complex process together, so that you can leave your mistakes behind you and move forward with your life.

Apply for an Expungement Pardon in Connecticut With the Help of Douglas D. Rudolph

Connecticut allows you to erase your criminal record through a process known as a “full” or “absolute” pardon. A full pardon – sometimes referred to as record sealing or expungement – erases your entire criminal history, including police and court records and other documents associated with offenses.

If your application for a pardon is accepted, you can legally say you do not have a criminal record and will no longer have to divulge your criminal history to employers or anyone else.

You can have any crime – including a felony, misdemeanor, or violation – erased from your criminal record through a pardon. To qualify, however, you must meet the following conditions:

• At least three years must have passed since the disposition of your most recent misdemeanor.
• At least five years must have passed since the disposition of your most recent felony.

Note that you cannot apply to have individual offenses pardoned. Only your full criminal background may be erased or pardoned under Connecticut law.

After determining your eligibility, you can begin the application process by completing, printing and mailing the Application for a Connecticut Absolute Pardon form.

To complete the application, you will need to answer questions about yourself, your family, education, employment history, volunteer activities, substance abuse treatment information, and your reason for requesting a pardon. You will also have to list your complete criminal history, including convictions in Connecticut as well as any other state or federal convictions.

It is particularly important to disclose every single criminal conviction on your application, or you could be prosecuted for perjury.

In addition to the completed application, you will need to include the following documents:

• A notarized Background Investigation form
• A photocopy of your current ID or driver’s license
• A complete set of fingerprints
• A copy of your criminal history
• Proof of employment or income
• Three or more Absolute Pardon Reference Questionnaire forms
• Any documents that will help your case, such as a resume or evaluation

The Absolute Pardon Reference Questionnaire forms should be completed by someone who knows you and can vouch for your character. Only one Reference form may be completed by a spouse or blood relative.

After you submit your application, it may take a year or more for the Connecticut Board of Pardon and Paroles, Judicial Department, and State Police to review your application. If you are deemed eligible for a pardon, you will be contacted for a phone interview.

Connecticut’s pardon application process is long and complex, with a lot of opportunities to make an error. A mistake can be the difference between your application being accepted or denied, so it is particularly important to handle your application with the utmost care and precision. If your application is denied, you typically must wait a year or more before you can apply again.

Your best bet for ensuring your pardon application is accepted is to work with an experienced Connecticut expungement lawyer. A skilled record sealing lawyer can review your application for errors and help you gather the strongest documents to support your case. If your pardon application was denied in the past, your attorney can help review the reasons behind the denial and advise you on how to resubmit an application successfully.

Contact The Law Office of Douglas D. Rudolph for Guidance with the Connecticut Expungement Pardon Process

Do not let a criminal conviction impact your ability to obtain employment, secure housing, or take out a loan. Work with a knowledgeable expungement lawyer to determine your eligibility and build an application that is most likely to be accepted.

I have guided many clients through the Connecticut expungement pardon process so they can go on to lead normal, successful, and happy lives unencumbered by their past mistakes. I can can help you assess your eligibility and determine how best to demonstrate that you have been rehabilitated.

Before filing any paperwork, reach out to me at the Law Office of Douglas D. Rudolph to discuss your case. I treat potential clients to a free initial expungement consultation, during which we can talk about your options and decide how best to proceed with your case.

Call us today at (203) 343-7579 or contact us online.