I have represented clients at the trial level in hundreds of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor traffic citations to serious felony charges. Many of these cases were handled through either a trial in front of a judge or jury, or through a negotiated plea. My job is to analyze the strength of the prosecution’s case and advise my client how to proceed in a way that aligns with his or her goals.

 

 In addition, I have helped individuals get their arrest record expunged after they were arrested for a crime that was later dismissed. Expungement is extremely effective in preserving future employment opportunities since it “erases” a particular arrest record and prevents it from ever showing up should an future employer run a background check. Only non-violent offense that a person was arrested for but NOT convicted of qualify for expungement. 

 

Pardons are also effective in reconciling a past indiscretion and removing the stigma of having a criminal record. Although a pardon does not have the effect of having your past “erased” like an expungement does, a pardon is a public display of forgiveness granted by the Governor to someone who was convicted of a crime earlier in life. A pardon can restore an offender’s civil rights, thereby causing them not to be labeled in a particular way.

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If you or a loved one have been arrested for a criminal offense in Alabama, contact Brennan R. Clifton, Attorney at Law to protect your rights.