Even an Arrest Record Can Ruin Chances of a Job
As the overall number of arrests rise throughout the country, the consequences of an arrest, even without conviction, can last forever. Over the past 20 years, there have been more than a quarter of a billion arrests in the United States. Between 10,000 and 12,000 new names are added to the FBI master criminal database each day. Many people have their charges dismissed or never face any charges- but they later find that their arrest record lingers with them. As a result, this arrest record can affect employment chances, school admission enrollment, and securing housing and loans.
In New York City, when you are arrested, the NYPD will usually fingerprint and photograph you. Fingerprint data and your photograph are stored by the State of New York and sent to the FBI to be stored by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The NCIC makes your arrest information available to all of the states. Additionally, a court record is created if the DA's Office decides to pursue charges against you. A court record usually consists of your identifying information, including your name, date of birth, address, along with the police report and criminal charges based on the facts of the DA's case against you.
Unfortunately, even if the charges against are reduced to a non-criminal disposition, or are completely dismissed, there are still risks that details of your once pending case can be discovered by others. In addition, many arrest records and court files contain errors and mistakes. It can be daunting trying to correct those records.
At the Law Offices of Lance Fletcher, we fight to keep your arrest record sealed and/or destroyed following a dismissal. We understand how important it is to limit the information available to the public and potential employers, especially when pending criminal charges against you are dismissed and you are vindicated. Depending on the circumstances of your case and the outcome achieved, our attorneys can provide you with:
- Official confirmation that your arrest fingerprints are destroyed by New York State,
- Official confirmation that your arrest photograph is destroyed by New York State,
- Official confirmation that your court record is sealed, and
- Official confirmation that the FBI has been notified to completely destroy your arrest record.
We have fought for such confirmation for many of our past clients. Additionally, some of our clients have requested investigation of their background to verify that arrest records no longer appear in background searches. We can provide such investigation.
Contact us today if you are worried about a dismissed case or sealed arrest record lingering in your background.