WARNING! Many people trying to clear their record get scammed by using a non-attorney to expunge or seal their record. Do not waste your money, give your confidential information, or blow, what may be your only chance to clear your record by taking legal advice from anyone other than a licensed attorney.

The internet is a great way to find a qualified attorney (click here to see a list of recommended expungement attorneys) who can expunge or seal your criminal record at an affordable price. You can even get free assistance from attorneys online or at the public defender’s office. Beware of scam sites posing as attorneys. They often call themselves “document processors,” “paralegals,” or a “legal service;” some go as far as to lie and say they are attorneys. Do not allow non-attorneys to take your money, waste your time, access your confidential information, let you become a victim of identity theft, or blow what might be your only chance to clear your criminal record.

Expungement attorneys are trained in expungement law and know that getting your record expunged is important and can have a lifelong affect on you. An expungement attorney will make sure the job is done right and, what may be your only chance, is not blown. An expungement attorney can handle objections from the District Attorney and go to court on your behalf to answer questions from the judge.

Finding an attorney online is a great way to hire an expert attorney at a very affordable price.  Do not waste your money or what might be your only chance to clear your criminal record by hiring the wrong person.    Always ask these three critical questions:

1.  Are you a licensed attorney? Attorneys are licensed and regulated by the state.  Only an attorney can represent you in court, file responses to district attorneys, or give legal advise.  Having anyone but an attorney handle your expungement is like having anyone but a dentist fix your teeth.

2.  What is your Better Business Bureau rating and how long have you been a member? Anyone can get an “A” rating for a few months.  Having it for 3 or more years should be your absolute minimum.

3. How long have the attorneys been licensed to practice law?   Experience matters.  Make sure to work only with a licensed attorney who has been practicing for at least 5 years.

Clearing your criminal record is a great investment in yourself and your future.   Protect yourself and your investment by asking the 3 questions above.

Getting the right attorney can be the difference between success and failure.  Be smart and ask questions.

Do not take legal advice from these companies:

	Company Name	Website(s)	BBB Rating 2009
	Records Removal Services	recordsremoval.com or myexpunge.com	F
	Expungement Assistance Services	clearmyrecord.com or shredmyrecord.com	D-
	American Pardon Services	www.americanpardons.com	N/A

How To Spot Rip-Off Expungement and Record Sealing Sites

Look for these signs that the site may be a scam.

• Their Better Business Bureau record shows dozens of complaints (Like RecordsRemoval.com, which has an F rating and 63 complaints as 0f 2009).

• They are not licensed to practice law in your state, or they do not have an office in your state
• It is a “paralegal” or “form processor” that is giving you advice.
• They are just going to send you forms and then leave you alone to fight the District Attorney, answer questions from the court, put together evidence, and pay all filing fees.
• The operation is based in Kentucky (several scam sites are run out of Kentucky).
• There is no money-back guarantee if your case is denied.
• They want to charge you to apply for a pardon (Nationwide, about 1 in 5,000 pardons gets granted. If someone wants to charge you for a pardon, they are probably more interested in your money than helping you).
• Their phone system has an extension dedicated for disgruntled customers who issue chargebacks on their credit cards, like extension #4 at Records Removal Service.

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For the quickest way to find an attorney visit our choosing an expungement attorney page for a list of recommended attorneys.

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Have You Been Scammed?

If someone other than a licensed attorney charged you for an expungement, or to clear your record, you may be entitled to a full refund and/or damages; send an e-mail to [email protected] telling us who ripped you off and how. We will do our best to put you in touch with a class action lawyer who is working to stop these scams.

• Were not told that you would have to go to court?
• Were you not told that you would have to argue against the district attorney or probation department?
• Were you sold an expungement but received something else?
• Was your case denied?
• Were you told you were eligible and you were not?
• Were the benefits of expungement not as described?
• Were you charged hidden fees?
• Did you become ineligible or have to wait longer because of the failed service?
• Did the person fail to make clear that they were not an attorney and that you should consult an attorney before proceeding?
• Were you not told that the chances of having a pardon granted were exceedingly slim?
• Did your case take much longer than expected?

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