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Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Clean Slate Docs is not a law firm. We provide professional document preparation services to assist with filing for the expungement of eligible criminal records. While licensed attorneys review your file before submission, Clean Slate Docs does not provide legal advice. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal guidance. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney.

Table of Contents

General Questions

Expungement is the legal process of asking a court to remove or seal your criminal record from public view. Once granted, most employers, landlords, and background check companies will no longer see the record.

An expungement can make it easier to find a job, rent housing, obtain licenses, and pass background checks. Employers and landlords typically cannot see an expunged record, giving you a fresh start.

Once expunged, your record is hidden from most employers, landlords, and background check services. Law enforcement and certain agencies may still access sealed records in limited situations (e.g., security clearance, immigration, professional licensing).

No. Most people can file on their own. Clean Slate Docs prepares and files your paperwork. A licensed attorney reviews your petition for compliance, but they do not represent you in court or provide legal advice.

A lawyer should be hired for expungement cases when:
  • When your case is complex or contested, lawyers have experience navigating court procedures and opposing attorneys, improving the likelihood of a successful expungement.
  • If the expungement request is opposed by another party who has legal representation, having your own lawyer ensures you are adequately represented and prepared for objections.
  • When you want professional guidance to frame your argument effectively for the judge, it increases the chance of your petition being granted.
Expungement typically removes your record from public access as if it never existed. Sealing restricts access, but the record still exists in the system. Some states use both terms interchangeably, but Clean Slate Docs ensures your petition matches your state’s rules.
Feature
Expungement
Sealing
What it does
Erases the record as if it never happened
Hides the record from the public but does not erase it
Who can see it
Usually no one, except some government or law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement, courts, and some employers (like schools, government, or jobs requiring security clearance)
Public background checks
Will not show up
Will not show up
Effect on opportunities
Strongest option for a clean slate
Very helpful, but some agencies may still see it
Eligibility
Limited, usually only certain offenses and if all conditions are met
More flexible, often available for more offenses
Legal effect
Treated like it never existed
Record still exists, just hidden from the public

Yes. Expungement removes most records from employer background checks, which makes it easier to pass screenings for new jobs, promotions, or professional licenses.

In many states, yes. You may be eligible to clear multiple offenses at once, depending on the type and how long it has been. Our FREE Eligibility Check helps you see if your cases qualify.

Clean Slate Docs is a professional document preparation service that assists individuals in preparing and filing expungement petitions. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, opinions, or representation. Our role is to ensure your paperwork is completed accurately and submitted in accordance with court requirements.

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on state law, the type of offense, how long it has been since your case, and whether you’ve completed all sentencing terms. Some convictions (e.g., violent crimes or sex offenses) may not be eligible.

👉 Start with our FREE Eligibility Check to see if you qualify.

If your petition is denied, the court will explain the reason (such as eligibility issues or missing documents). In some cases, you may be able to refile when circumstances change or after correcting the issue. Courts have the final say on whether an expungement is granted. While we cannot guarantee the outcome, we do ensure your paperwork is prepared and filed accurately to give you the best chance for approval.

  • New Jersey: Certain convictions can be cleared depending on the type of offense and the required waiting period.
  • Ohio: Eligibility varies based on the types of charges and your complete criminal history.
  • Maryland: Expungement eligibility depends on the offense and the time elapsed since the case was resolved.
  • Illinois: Arrests, dismissals, some sealed cases, and certain convictions may qualify.
  • Michigan: Many offenses are eligible under the “Clean Slate” law, subject to specific eligibility criteria.
State
One-Liner Explanation
What to Expect
Illinois (IL)
Expungement erases records of dismissed or acquitted cases; sealing hides eligible convictions.
Most dismissed or non-conviction cases can be fully cleared; eligible convictions can be sealed, improving job and housing opportunities.
Ohio (OH)
Sealing removes records from public view; some convictions may qualify for expungement.
Eligible misdemeanors and select felonies can be sealed or expunged, making them invisible to most background checks.
New Jersey (NJ)
Expungement clears eligible convictions and dismissed cases; Clean Slate Law allows multiple records after 10 years.
One indictable offense can usually be expunged immediately; multiple convictions may be eligible after a decade with no new offenses.
Michigan (MI)
Misdemeanors can be set aside without limit; felonies up to three can be set aside under certain conditions.
Eligible records are removed from public background checks, restoring opportunities; serious or assaultive crimes have caps.
Maryland (MD)
Expungement erases certain eligible convictions and dismissals, but rules are restrictive.
Only qualifying misdemeanors and non-violent offenses may be cleared; multiple convictions are limited if any offense is ineligible.

Process

  1. Complete our intake form.
  2. We prepare your petition and supporting documents.
  3. A licensed attorney reviews it for compliance.
  4. We file with the court (electronically when available).
  5. If a hearing is scheduled, you’ll need to attend or retain separate counsel.
  6. Once approved, the court issues an expungement order.

👉 Get started now — most clients finish intake in under 10 minutes.

Average processing takes about 3–6 months, depending on the state and court backlog. It may take longer if objections are filed or a hearing is required.

Providing incomplete or incorrect details may cause delays or denial of your petition. Refunds are not available if your case is rejected because of inaccurate or missing information. To avoid this, our team reviews all details with you before filing.

Most cases don’t require a court appearance. However, if a hearing is scheduled, you must attend. Clean Slate Docs can connect you with an independent attorney through a separate agreement if you need representation.

No. Clean Slate Docs is a fully remote service everything can be completed online and by email. You do not need to visit our office in person. If the court schedules a hearing, you may need to appear locally or arrange for separate legal counsel, but the preparation and filing of your petition are handled entirely online.

We file electronically through state-specific e-filing systems where available (NJ eCourts, MD MDEC, IL eFileIL, MI MiFILE, OH OEDS). Paper filing is used if electronic filing is not available.

Fees & Guarantee

Our flat fee is $549, which includes document preparation and most court filing fees. If additional fees are required by your county or state, we’ll notify you before filing.

  • If you are found ineligible → we refund your initial payment.
  • If an error on our part causes a rejection → we correct and refile at no additional cost.

Refunds are not available if you submit inaccurate information, fail to provide documents, or miss a required hearing.

Documentation & Confidentiality

You’ll need case details such as docket number, arrest/charge information, court and disposition records, and any sentencing or fine documentation. Certified dispositions are often required. If you don’t have these, we’ll guide you on how to obtain them.

We use secure systems and restrict access to authorized staff only. Your data is never sold or shared outside what is required for your expungement.

Within Clean Slate Docs, only authorized staff and contracted attorneys working on your petition have access. Your petition is also shared with the court and relevant agencies as required by law.

Records are securely stored until the case is complete and then archived in accordance with legal and internal retention policies.

Verification & Follow-Up

Once the court grants your expungement, a certified order is issued and sent to the necessary agencies. We confirm that the court has processed your case. If your record still appears on private background check sites, we’ll provide follow-up guidance, but we cannot directly control third-party websites.

State Coverage

We currently serve New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Michigan.

Yes. Each state and county has unique eligibility rules and filing requirements. Clean Slate Docs ensures your petition is filed correctly for your state.


State-specific FAQs

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Please use the contact form below, send us an email, or give us a call. Our team will be glad to assist you.

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