how much does a lawyer charge to expunge

by Melvina Nienow 3 min read

Costs to hire an attorney to expunge a record vary widely, ranging anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000, depending on the number and severity of the underlying crimes, and the requirements of the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.Sep 10, 2018

Full Answer

How much does it cost to expunge a criminal record?

The cost of expungement will differ from state to state. The cost of hiring an attorney will also differ from where file the expungement. Usually you get to pay $400 to $1000 for an attorney fee for single criminal charge but note that the amount that you pay will differ on the number and nature of your case.

How does expungement work for a misdemeanor?

Expungement works by sealing any arrests and convictions related to your misdemeanor charge. Although the process for getting a misdemeanor expunged is relatively similar in most states, you will see different wording and regulations used for this process across the US.

How much does it cost to hire a criminal attorney?

Usually you get to pay $400 to $1000 for an attorney fee for single criminal charge but note that the amount that you pay will differ on the number and nature of your case. Depending on the misdemeanor or felony of your record, the attorney fee may cost as much as $1000 to $4000.

How do I get my record expunged in California?

To start the expungement process, look up expungement information with your county’s criminal court. Some states like California use an online questionnaire that tells you what you need to apply. Be sure to have all your information ready, including the particular offense you’re trying to expunge.

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How much does it cost to have your record expunged if you use an attorney in NJ?

Filing Fees: The New Jersey Superior Courts currently charge $75 to file for an expungement. Lawyer's Fees: Every expungement case is different. Some cases may only take a few hours of work, while others might require multiple court appearances.

How long does it take for a record to be expunged in Florida?

Because of the required process, it typically takes up to 9 months to have your record sealed or expunged. This is because the first step in the process that everyone must go through is obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Can I expunge my self in Texas?

Most people can file and successfully process their own Texas expungement forms without the assistance of a lawyer. All you need is the proper forms and easy step-by-step instructions to complete your Texas expungement.

What felonies Cannot be expunged in California?

Finally, some specific crimes cannot be expunged regardless of whether a person fulfilled his or her probation terms, including: Child pornography crimes. Certain sexual assault crimes. Committing lewd acts with a minor.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Florida?

Although you can attempt to seal or expunge your record without an attorney, hiring an experienced lawyer to help you through the process may save you time, money, and frustration. We work hard to make sure the process is completed as quickly as possible.

How much does an expungement cost in Florida?

1) $75 fee to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This is the state agency that approves your expungement or sealing application. 2) $42.00 to the Clerk of Courts.

How much does it cost to expunge a record in Texas?

How Much Will It Cost to Expunge My Criminal Record in Texas? As a general rule, it costs more to expunge a felony than a misdemeanor. The expungement of a felony will customarily cost a minimum of $1,000, but may cost upwards of $2,500 or even more. Misdemeanors can usually be expunged for $1,000 or less.

How long is the expungement process in Texas?

four to six weeksIn most instances, it takes about 30 days to schedule a hearing date after the petition for expunction is filed. The entire process usually takes from four to six weeks. If the court grants an expungement, it usually takes up to 180 days for local, state, and federal agencies to destroy their records.

How long do felonies stay on your record in Texas?

three yearsFelony, three years from the date of your arrest.

How much does an attorney charge for an expungement?

The court cost of expungement that you have to pay will range from $100 to $400 depending on the location as well as the amount of paper work that needs to be done including the research that it takes for the case.

How much does it cost to expunge a criminal record?

The cost of expungement will differ from state to state. The cost of hiring an attorney will also differ from where file the expungement. Usually you get to pay $400 to $1000 for an attorney fee for single criminal charge but note that the amount that you pay will differ on the number and nature of your case. Depending on the misdemeanor or felony of your record, the attorney fee may cost as much as $1000 to $4000.

How much does it cost to expunge a document in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers varied options for people who want to file an expungement in their state. They offer a DIY process for only $200 and this include filing fee for $75 as well as certified mail for $100, photocopying fee worth $20 and envelopes/ stamps for $5.

What is expungement in court?

Expungement is a court-ordered process wherein the legal records of an arrest or criminal conviction is either “sealed” or erased in the eyes of the law. Many wants to get an expungement because a criminal record can be a great factor in your eligibility to get loans as well as mortgage or housing assistance. ...

How much does it cost to expunge a misdemeanor in California?

If you are asking how much does it cost to expunge a misdemeanor case (including DUI) you will be charged around $595.00 to $625.00.

How much does it cost to get marijuana records purged?

If you want your Marijuana records purged; (both Court & California Dept. of Justice) you would have to pay $750.00 and if you want a Reduction to Misdemeanor under 17b or Prop 47 or 64 the expungement price is $750.00 which is the same for Sealing of Juvenile or Diversion Records.

Why do you have to expunge your record?

Expungement is one way to ensure that your old mistakes will not continue to harm your present and future reputation as well as your professional opportunities. If given the chance, then you have every option to clear your record and start again with a clear record.

How to get your criminal record expunged?

Every state has different requirements to expunge a record. Typically, an attorney will obtain a copy of your criminal record you are looking to get expunged to get the process started. Next, documents are gathered to begin creating the formal pleadings, such as court records and prosecutor files. Some jurisdictions require serving the district attorney papers regarding the process, and others may require an Order of Expungement to be drafted and signed by the judge.

Can you expunge a charge?

Sometimes there is a formal petition for expunging each charge, in front of a judge. If successful, you may then need to serve a copy of the expungement order on various government agencies, such as the district attorney's office and the department of corrections, which may have your criminal record on file, so that they too can expunge it. Each jurisdiction has different requirements, which can get very confusing. As you can imagine, you will need to pay for each of these steps.

How much does it cost to get a fingerprint card expunged in Virginia?

Typically, the clerk’s office will charge a $86.00 filing fee and the police department will charge $10.00 for a fingerprint card. That’s it. You can get a charge expunged, at least in Virginia, after paying the above amounts.

Is it worth expunging a record?

There are several costs associated with getting an expungement – and all of them are worth it , if it you are trying to get a record sealed so that it does not get in the way of a school application or new job. After all, you already went through the trouble of dealing with the charge in court, right? This is the last step to get the charge permanently removed from your record forever.

Is expungement worth it?

Is it worth it to remove a charge from your criminal record? For many people, it’s a worthwhile expense. You protect your reputation and remove the charge from your record before applying for work, school, or a security clearance.

Lee A Gronikowski

We are not allowed to discuss fees on AVVO. Call around and compare. Be sure you select an experienced criminal defesne attorney who does many expungements.

Raymond Andrew Grimes

We can't discuss fees, but I'm sure you would be surprised at the affordability of an expungement if you speak to different attorneys

William J Popovich

I have seen fees much higher and some lower so its not out of the ball park and would depend on the facts of your friends case and prior history.

H. Scott Aalsberg

Avvo does not allow attorneys to discuss fees. The price depends on the level of difficulty in expunging the record. Those trying to do an early felony expungement pay more because it is more involved. Expunging an arrest and completion of pti program will not cost as much as your friend paid. Call a few attorneys to discuss.

Kristy L. Bruce

Lawyers charge based on the complexity of a master, time required to complete the project and their level of experience. Different lawyers will charge different fees.

James A. Abate

The fees lawyers charge vary greatly. We are not allowed to discuss fees in this forum, but $2,500 for an expungement is definitely on the very high end of the range. Call or email a few lawyers directly and inquire about fees.

How long does it take to get a case sealed?

Act now. Sealing and expungement of a case can take 5-7 months on average.

Can you seal a case in Florida?

Sealing and expungement of a case in Florida is not an expensive legal procedure. Remember that you are investing in yourself for a lifetime! Usually, second chances in life can’t be bought. However, Florida law does allows to you to seal or expunge one case which does give you a second chance to have a clean public record.

How to get a misdemeanor expunged?

To get a misdemeanor expunged easily, your crime would have needed to be non-violent. If you have a violent felony on your record you want to be expunged, you’ll need the victim’s testimony and will have to work closely with a lawyer. There are crimes, such as homicides and sexual offenses, that cannot be expunged in many states.

How does expungement work?

Expungement works by sealing any arrests and convictions related to your misdemeanor charge.

What is the burden of proof for a finding of factual innocence?

A finding of factual innocence and an order for the sealing and destruction of records pursuant to this section shall not be made unless the court finds that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense for which the arrest was made. In any court hearing to determine the factual innocence of a party, the initial burden of proof shall rest with the petitioner to show that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense for which the arrest was made.

Is a misdemeanor sealed in Pennsylvania?

In some states, such as Pennsylvania, certain misdemeanors are automatically sealed if they apply. Be sure to check on your county’s website to see if your charge is still active before you apply.

Can you work with ex-cons if you have a previous misdemeanor?

Potential landlords and employers are hesitant to work with ex-cons. However, when a previous misdemeanor is expunged, you can honestly say that you don’t have any previous convictions when you’re asked.

Can you get an expungement without a judge's approval?

You must meet certain requirements before you can apply for expungement. In most cases, this includes completing your proba tionary period before you can apply without a judge’s approval. Be sure you have met these requirements before you apply.

Can you seal a misdemeanor charge?

Sealing a minor’s misdemeanor charges is much easier than adult charges. People arrested or convicted of minor offenses before they were 18 can have their records sealed once you fulfill your state’s requirements after your 18th birthday.

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The Cost of Erasing A Criminal Record

  • A criminal record expungement cost can range from $100 to $600 for the filing and court costs alone, depending on the state and the nature of the case. The cost of hiring an attorney will also differ depending on where you file the expungement. Usually, you get to pay $400 to $1,000 for an attorney’s fee for a single criminal charge. But take note ...
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Expungement vs. Sealing

  • Expungement is one way to ensure that your old mistakes will not continue to harm your present and future reputation as well as your professional opportunities. If given the chance, you have every opportunity to start on a clean slate. Strictly speaking, expungement means the records will be destroyed, which in effect makes it appear like they never happened at all. This is different fro…
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Additional Costs

  • In Kentucky, an expungement certification, which is a report indicating what specific records are eligible for expungement, costs $40. On the other hand, it costs $75 in Florida for similar documentation. Depending on the state, you would also need to pay a small amount for the notarization as well as for a fingerprint card that you need to take to the law enforcement agenc…
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What Can Be Affected When You Have A Criminal Record?

  • A criminal record or even just a case filed against you but eventually dismissed or you being found not guilty can be a stain on your reputation that might ruin your quality of life. What are the different consequences of having this “stain” on your record? Here are some: 1. Difficulty getting a job 2. Job termination 3. Likely to lose a child custody case 4. Might not be allowed to own or ca…
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Factors Affecting The Cost of Expungement

  • The cost of expungementvaries due to the following factors: 1. The gravity of the case Understandably, felony cases will cost more than a simpler misdemeanor. Felony cases represent the higher end of the cost of expunging criminal offense cases. 1. Number of cases A petition for expungement allows only a single criminal case per filing. If you want to expunge several cases, …
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Who Qualifies For Expungement?

  • Whether or not you can afford the expungement price, it is never guaranteed that everyone qualifies for the process. Here are a few bases for expungement qualifications: 1. Your age– most states are lenient toward juvenile offenders. If you have been convicted as a minor, you have a stronger chance of being granted record expungement than adult felons. 2. Type of conviction …
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