Frequently Asked Questions

Sealing or expunging your record can significantly enhance your life by improving your privacy and opening up opportunities in employment, education, and housing that might have been previously unavailable due to background checks. 

It removes the stigma associated with a criminal record, allowing you to participate more fully in community activities, access public assistance if needed, and making you a more favorable candidate in adoption processes. 

By restoring various rights, including voting and gun ownership, and allowing for international travel, it can remove barriers related to housing and education, enabling a fresh start and a brighter future.

The expungement process with Bo is systematic and thorough:

1. ACIC Research: Request your Criminal History Information from the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC).
2. Review: We will review your criminal history report within a day or two to formulate an appropriate expungement strategy, determining if and how your records can be sealed.
3. Case Management: If your records can be sealed, the team prepares and submits your case to the appropriate court(s).
4. Judicial Review: The judge reviews and, if suitable, orders your records to be sealed.
5. Confirmation: Receive an updated ACIC report confirming the sealing of your records.

Our process involves meticulous research, review, preparation, submission, and confirmation to ensure the successful sealing of records.

For a straightforward case, such as removing one or two crimes in a single court, the process is typically completed in about 30 business days. 

However, this is not a guarantee as the timeline can vary depending on the processes of the different jurisdictions in Northwest Arkansas. 

We have extensive experience navigating the intricacies of all these courts to expedite the process wherever possible. 

Restoring gun rights in Arkansas is a distinct process from sealing or expunging records and typically requires obtaining a governor’s pardon. 

The restoration of gun rights is subject to state laws and the nature of the offense, and it’s crucial to consult with legal counsel to understand the specific requirements and navigate the complexities of the process. 

We can assist you in understanding your eligibility and guide you through the necessary steps to seek the restoration of your gun rights.

 In Arkansas, voting rights are generally restored after completing the sentence, including any parole or probation. We can provide detailed advice and assistance in restoring your voting rights, ensuring you can participate fully in the democratic process. 

 It may improve your eligibility to adopt. However, adoption agencies consider various factors, and a cleared record is not the sole determinant. 

 Yes, clearing your record can remove travel restrictions. 

Having a sealed or expunged record can significantly enhance employment opportunities as many employers conduct background checks. It can remove the barriers associated with having a criminal record. 

 In Arkansas, what was once referred to as "sealing records" is now called "expungement," due to changes in the law. Essentially, both terms mean that the records are made inaccessible to the general public, but they are not completely destroyed. While the records are hidden, they can still be accessed in specific situations, such as background checks for positions involving work with children, and by law enforcement agencies.  

Individuals who were arrested but not convicted may still be eligible to seal or expunge their records, depending on state laws and the nature of the offense. A legal consultation can provide clarity on eligibility and the process involved in such cases.

Clearing your record can remove it from public view, affecting background checks and public record searches positively. However, law enforcement agencies may still access these records.

While it’s possible to navigate the process independently, legal assistance is highly recommended. A lawyer can guide you through the complex legal landscape, help determine your eligibility, prepare the necessary documentation, represent you in court, and address any challenges that arise, ensuring the best possible outcome.