Your criminal record can follow you anywhere you go. A simple mistake can take a lot of time, money, and paperwork to get erased from your record. A shoplifting charge can stop you from finding a job, getting into a good school, or qualifying for an apartment. Many people have made mistakes and paid their debt to society and yet are still overshadowed by a negative stigma that can be hard to move past. There are currently five states that make it extra difficult to clear your record and get a fresh start, including New York, Louisiana, Iowa, Tennessee, and South Dakota.
New York is the most difficult state to obtain a clean record by requiring a 10-year waiting period after the completion of incarceration and payment of fines before applying. The fee is only $5-$10, but the 10-year waiting period makes it the most difficult because your life is essentially on hold for 10 years as you await a clean record. Coming in second is Louisiana—there’s a 5-year waiting period and a $550 fee to clear your record. Iowa is next in line for the most difficult state to obtain a clean record by requiring an 8-year waiting period and a $185 fee, although the 8-year period begins at the point of conviction, not after the applicant has been released and paid fines. Tennessee is number 4 on the difficulty list by having a 5-year wait time after all terms of sentencing have been satisfied and a $350 fee. The last of all states is South Dakota. South Dakota requires a 10-year wait but if after 10 years a person is convicted of no other crimes, their record will be automatically expunged, with no need to apply or pay a fee.
There are far too many hoops to jump through in the 5 states that we discussed. The fact of the matter is too many people have misdemeanors and are unable to eradicate them. A misdemeanor offense can put your life on hold and we need criminal justice reform now more than ever. At Easy Expunctions, we offer multiple record clearing packages that can help get your life back on track. Start with a free background check and see what criminal charges could be holding you back. Easy Expunctions is an affordable, record-clearing service that can save you time and money. See what you qualify for today and take the first step towards a better life.
