Free Criminal Record Clearing and Expungement Information

Southern California Expungement Seminar

Mathew Higbee, Esq — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:06:21 +0000

Higbee & Associates will be presenting at a criminal record expungement seminar at the Buena Park One-Stop Center on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The free seminar is designed to help people that are unable to obtain employment due to criminal records and are unable to afford to have an attorney handle their case.

The workshop will cover the eligibility requirements and benefits of expunging or clearing a criminal record, assist with the completion of the expungement motion, and advise the attendees on how to file the paperwork and complete the expungement process. Topic will include expungement, arrest record sealing and certificates of rehabilitation.

Higbee & Associates is a national law firm that has helped more than 7,500 people successfully clear their criminal record. The law firm’s criminal record clearing division is promoted as www.RecordGone.com. The law firm’s supervising attorney Jennifer Strange will be the lead presenter.

7,000 Members and Growing

Mathew Higbee, Esq — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:32:51 +0000

7,000 people have RecordClearing.org in hopes of helping provide information and encouragement to lawmakers who are interested in passing effective laws. The story of a member in Pennsylvania was featured in an article distributed in Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Life or Liberty?

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:39 +0000

In may of 2007 I was held at gunpoint by a 19 year old intoxcated female, who also had about 8 people, mostly men, cheering her on and violently screaming at me to get out of my car. I was 18 years old at the time and completely alone in this situation, needless to say I was in fear for my life. I sat in my car for about 2 minutes, trying to figure a safe way out until the small army got impatient with me and started at my vehicle. I then hit the gas, running over the gunmen with my car. I kept driving, but immediately called 911 asking for an ambulance and police officers, letting them know that a girl had been hit by a car and two people were after me in another car with a gun and trying to run me off the road. I fought with the car which was smashing into the side of my car for a good 5 minutes before they gave up and turned around and drove away. It wasn’t until I was another 2 to 3 miles down the road until I was met by a police officer who seemed in no hurry to reach me. No lights or sirens, and it was another 10 to 15 minutes of sitting in a parking lot before he even arrived. It was then that I let him know I had just got off the phone with 911 because I was being chased by 2 people (maybe more) with a gun. Keep in mind I was alone against 8 people, and most of them had fled the scene with the gun leaving the girl laying in the road alone with a broken leg and other injuries. While waiting for the officer I recieved a phone call from one of the gunmen threatening to kill me and my family if I said anything about a gun being present at the scene. Ofcourse I was scared, so for a whole year I said nothing about a gun being pointed at me while still trying to prove I was afraid for my life. It didn’t work out too well, despite my obvious fear and the damage to my vehicle, it was their story against mine, in which they all fabricated together that I deliberately ran the girl over because I was mad at her and that no one had threatened me. I went to jail and was charged with 1st degree assault with a deadly weapon which was later lowered to 4th degree vehicular assault and I was convicted a year later. A 19 year old girl with a spotless record and goals to become a police officer completely squashed by fear. Well I am now 24 years old and free of that fear. I’m working toward re-opening my case to put the real offenders at justice and having my bogus conviction removed so I can become the police officer I have always wanted to be and protect others from the fear that once ruined my life.

Crime Boss?

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:38 +0000

About twelve years ago I was an addict and I totally take responsiblity for the actions that I did do. But I recieved a case of engaging in organized crime because some people broke into my house while I was in jail on contributing to a delenquency of a minor and stole a checkbook. When I got out of jail I had to move and didn’t forward my mail. By the time I found out from the bank what was going on and tried to clear it up with my bank the police where involved. They never understood that I never gave the checks to anyone, handwriting analysis did not match my writing, I was never around any of the places the checks where cashed or knew my other defendants well. Yes I was in a bad place and yes I did some unscrupplous things BUT THIS WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. I was already on probation for contributing to delenquency of a minor so I was sentenced to two years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. My attorney told me to take the deal and I did. Looking back I wish I would have fought it, I tried to explain that I didn’t do what I was accused of but noone would listen. Anyway I just wanted to share my story. Maybe it will idk

Repeat Offender

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:37 +0000

This is a story about my stupidity and naiveness in the law. I will not say what my charges were, because it seems that once I do people tend to close their minds about second chances. I will say that there is no hope for exspungment in my state. I have not killed, Stolen, Raped, or Harmed anyone. What it says on my criminal record is all misdemeanors. And being naive I thought that after so-long it was removed for your record. I did not think about the out come except what my required court sentence was. No one told me this would come back to haunt me . I thought, I do what is required of me by the courts and move on. How stupid I was. Not only for the crime I commited, but my whole way of thinking back then. Fast forward 14 years later. I live a clean life, have not been in trouble with the law. But I lost my job and when I went to apply for other employment it comes down to back ground checks. Now not only is it Male or Female, Black or White, educated or exspearanced. Now backgrounds, I feel sometimes like it’s double jeopardy, like I’m being punished for it all over again. How much time must past, how many job application do I have to fill out and relive the shame for my past stupidity, when will my punishment be over ? I just want a job I can do. I never had the money to hire a Lawyer and get the advise I needed, so I just tell you now. If you get in trouble, find the money. Ask what your best opptions are. And find out then if it can be removed from your record. Because right now, your criminal record is forever. And it will come back to effect you.

Familymatter

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:37 +0000

I CAME HOME ONE NIGHT LATE AND MY WIFE WAS UP.WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR I SAW THE LIGHT GO OUT.WHE I WENT INTO THE ROOM WHERE I SLEEP SHE CAME IN TALKING CRAZY.SO I GOT UP IN HER FACE AND I WAS TALKING LOUD AND THAT WHEN SHE I CALL THE COP I SAID CALL THEM.I DID NOT HIT HER AND THAT WHEN SHE CALL THE COP.THEY CAME IN ONE TALK TO HER ONE TALK TO ME.THE POLICE DO YOU NEED EMS SHE SAID NO.SO THAT WHEN THE POLICE HAND CUFF ME AND TOOK ME IN.

False Arrest & False Imprisonment

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:35 +0000

I am a 61 yr. old Retired RN and a Vietnam Vet ( WAC-Danang, 12th med 2 tours); with a Completely CLEAR Record..not even a speeding ticket.

I “Rescued” a friend of 30 yrs from a 82 yr old Pervert, The old Mexican man had been charged with child Molestation earlier on in his “life”, for Molesting a little Girl, whose Mother had been terrorized into dropping the Charges.. About a Year ago I had caught him in the Bathroom in jockey shorts, with his Penis out, while Carole was asleep on the commode and he kept on PUSHING it into her face..( she has Narcolepsy & didn’t wake up during this..

She is living in my Spare room,I do NOT charge her any rent or payment for staying here at all..which I furnished with Yard sale Items etc. for she had none of her own..she is a 67 yr. old Widow.

On July 20, 2011 Our Dr. ( we have the same PCP).. had her admitted to Centennial Hospital in Nashville, TN for Possible Blood clots that are inherent to her family, and can be Fatal.

Before she went there, her Step-son Jamie Steven Ferguson who had taken her to her appointment, brought her home to pack a bag with various things in it, so as to occupy her stay.

Before she left, she GAVE me her Bank Card & PIN in full View of step-son & told me to “Use it for any bills, Dog Food, or what ever was needed while she was in the Hospital” ( Direct Quote).

Which I did..I would go to Wal-Mart, check her Balance, call her on my cell phone, tell her the Balance and what all e needed to get. (Note)..She is a Bit OCD and writes EVERYTHING down.

I made Purchases on the 20th of July & again on 21 July of 201 ( which I had forgotten to get the day before..I Called her BOTH times and let her know Balance etc, just as I have stated above.

Almost a MONTH Later after she was discharged after a week in Hospital, she couldn’t figure out why her Bank Balance didn’t add up. ( They had her on Pain Rx and she didn’t remember to write those 2 transactions down & I mislaid the receipts..

I Obtained the number of the ATM and told her we needed to go to the Local Police in Ashland City & I Drove her there..I accompanied her into the Trailer that serves as some kind of “Office” for the City Police.

Which we did on a Thurs. or Fri.; A Detective Matlock ; ( NO I am not Kidding).. Took the statements & report & called us in the following Monday. He took my room mate into his office and then her Step-son, spoke with them and then sent them out & called me in, where he proceeded to Browbeat,Bully me and Taunted me while the Chief of the Ashland City Police sat there and played with his sidearm & told me how stupid he thought I was..I was then ( to my Disbelief & Horror) was read a shortened version of the Miranda act and hauled across the ally and Booked & locked up in jail..( at this Point I was in Shock and so deeply affected, I couldn’t get my breath, dial a phone or really do anything except listen to the Verbal Abuse voiced by the inmates of both sexes)..

The short red haired Booking Officer evidently had some Human Kindness, got me a chair to sit in, a cold Rag and had me put my head between my knees so I wouldn’t Faint. ( I am disabled & have to use a cane + was having Chest Pains & a Heart Attack in March of 2010).. HE called a Bail Bond Company to whom I had to pay over 250$ to to get Out of there.

The Bondsman took me home..Carole, my Room mate was there and I just Broke down and became Hysterical..I had followed her instructions about her bank card to the “T” and had done Nothing wrong, Carole agreed and told me that she had TOLD the Detective, INSISTED to be exact,that she had GIVEN me the the darn Bank card & also had given me directions to use it, and that I had NOT committed ANY kind of Crime, and that she adamantly REFUSED to sign ANY kind of complaint against me..

Detective Matlock ( for what ever reason) ignored the entire statement from her, and arrested me anyway. It turned out the legal “version” was State of Tennessee Vs Me ( Sarah Johns-Goodman).

I attended my arraignment, on Oct. 6th, 2011 where I plead NOT Guilty and was assigned the Asst. Public Defender, a Mr. Steve Stack.

After Months of waiting, Stress, Anxiety, Nightmares, an Ulcer, Severe Depression, & more Chest Pains; ( Ashland City & Cheatham County has a Very BAD Reputation for Lack of Justice) and ignoring Completely TRUE Defense Testimony); I was NOT counting on Justice being served, and was scared to DEATH that Despite my Room mates Protests that I wasn’t guilty of ANYTHING, and the distinct possibility that Det. Matlock wanted to bury me UNDER the Jail..THAT was a DIRECT Quote.. as well as “You Ruined a 30 yr Friendship”..along with other Bullying and snide remarks…The man was acting like he had single handedley caught Osama Bin Laden!! For Pete’s Sake! 61yrs old, NO Criminal or Traffic record and this “Detective wanted me to be HUNG!

Right after Thanksgiving..( I think) Asst. Public defender Steve Stack called me at my home and told me that I didn’t have to go through any more stress & that ( I think he said) “The case was Thrown out, or Dismissed”..I do not remember the exact words he used, but the gist of what he said was I “did NOT have to go to Court on Jan 19,2012″..the case had been Dropped/Thrown out or words to that effect.

I have Googled my name & it is now a matter of Public Record that I had been arrested for Theft!

I am and always have maintained my Innocence as has my Room mate..I have looked after/Cared for a LOT of Elderly Patients here in Cheat-em County, & NOW my Good Name is RUINED!

I have NO Idea what to do to have this Garbage EXPUNGED!!

How do I DO this??

Please can Anyone help??

Thank You & God Bless.

Sarah

Fraudulent Checks

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:34 +0000

I was found guilty of cashing 3 checks that were my own. However, since there were 3 of them, this made the charge fraud. I would “float” checks, and put the money in the bank before the checks cleared.
Well, one time, I did not put my money in the bank in time before the check was cleared. This in turn caused the bank to deduct money for the “bad” check charge. It turned into a “snowball” effect, and the other 2 checks, therefore, bounced as well.
The DA stated I knew what I was doing, and also knew my checks would bounce.
All I was trying to do was get the money to the bank before any checks cleared, not trying to defraud the store. I got caught floating checks, and am now am convicted felon..all for needing cash before my paychecks came in.
It was a bad idea, however, I cannot change it now. I just want to be employable and give my family the life they deserve. My children should not have to suffer because I can no longer get a good job because of my bad judgement.
I do not want this to snowball to my kids, and make their life hard all because mommy did something stupid.
I did not hurt anyone. I paid restitution, and finished probation.
I feel like I should get a second chance to become a productive member of society, and I cannot do this if I am always being denied jobs due to my record.

The BS Criminal Justice Graduate

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:35:34 +0000

On 10/01/2001, a fight broke out in my yard on 1st Avenue in Evansville, IN between Donald Eugene Riggle & Brian Cates and I ran out of my apartment complex to break up the fight. when I got Mr. Riggle off of Mr. Cates, Mr. Cates got off the ground and ran into the Apartment Complex where I lived and Mr. Riggle broke awayf from me and ran into my Apartment Complex after him. Noticing that Mr. Cates was bruetly beating by Mr. Riggle i ran into my Apartment Complx to keep Mr. Riggle from hurting or beating Mr. Cates any longier. Evansville Police Department showed up and arrested Me & Mr. Riggle and tranported Mr. Cates to the hospital. as i was transported to the jail house I could here the Detective state that he will be charging me and mr. Riggle with a Felony Assault & Battery and a Felony residential entry. I tried to explain to the officers that I had nothing to do with the fight.

At the jail House the detective over the case came and talked to me while I was in holding. I explained everything and every event to him and he stated that during his investigations and questions he discovered that I did not have anything to do with the fight and he would do everything in his power to have the charges dropped. he asked if i would come to court and testify against Donald Eugene Riggle for his actions and I stated yes. i had to bond myself out of jail and i was treated like a suspect because I had to appear in court and plea to the charges and apply for a court appointed attorney. i did plea not guilty to the charges and I was appointed an attorney. during my trail I was also appearing in Donald Eugene Riggles Trial as well to testify against him as i agreed hoping that the detective was working on getting the charges dismissed. on 11/21/1991 i met with my Court appointed attorney in court for the first time which he stated that due to the charges stacked up against me i had to either take a plea or go to prison and I stated to him that I did not have anything to do with the fight or the residential entry because i lived there. he inform me that i take the plea which they are willing to drop the Felony Assault and Battery Charge and I plea guilty to the Felony residential entry and all i will get is 3 years probation and no prison time. I was backed into the corner because my attorney was not interested in representing me so i took the plea. my trial went on and on and i was in and out of court for sentencing and probation. on 8/21/1992, the State finally came forth and Dismissed all the charges and I felt that I was of these charges and I was a free man. When I moved here to North carolina I attended College and on 11/21/2011 I graduated with My BS in criminal Justice technology and i wanted t get in the door of the County Sheriff Department and when they did a NCIS background check on me this case popped up and it did not have any closure on it or it did not say andthing about it been dismissed so the Sheriff Department called me and stated that they would love to have hired me but the case in Indiana will effect me from getting a job at any Local, County or State law enforcement Agency or any criminal justice agency ad i had to get it removed from my record in order for anyone to hire me. I explained in detailed on what happened and they stated that they have to see it cleared or expunged off my record because as long as it shows up it wll hurt me. I spent 4 years trying to find an Attorney to help me get this expunged or removed and all i got is that the Indiana Statute stats that if I was convicted of a felony offense rather it was dismissed on not can not and will not be removed from my criminal history Check and today I get a New Indiana law Statute that was established that i hope and pray that i could get this off my Criminal History record. I do have the official Disposition and I am willing to share it in hoping that there is something that could be done to clear me of this record.

Wrongfully Charged

Record Clearing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:34:34 +0000

I was Wrongfully Charged with a hand gun that prevents me from getting my HazMat as a Truck Driver.