Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

Clearing your record

If a person is found guilty of selling drugs and/or using drugs, is it possible to get his or her record cleared so that they can get a job? I realize that these are serious charges but after a certain period of time, if the person is no longer in that life style and has been clean for a few years, can the record be cleared? I have a couple of relatives with records from when they were younger. They made mistakes back then but now they cannot get jobs because of the records.


Asked on 12/26/07, 5:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

JAY Nixon nixon law offices

Clearing Your Record: Expungement of Drug Convictions, Pardons

Unfortunately, I do not know of any way to remove a drug conviction from one's record for those over the age of 21 at the time of the offense, unless one was afforded the benefits of "first offender" treatment under the uniform controlled substance act. Those benefits require negotiations with authorities prior to conviction. It also requires completion of treatment and probation and convincing the judge that you are fully rehabilitated--not an easy thing in WI. You should discuss these options with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. The other option is to apply for a pardon by the governor, which is a politically driven process which results in very few pardons being granted. Those who receive pardons generally must present an exemplary record involving decades of a productive, crime free lifestyle, extensive community service work, all in addition to being in a situation to curry political favoritism from the governor (pardon board) who decides upon your application. You need to discuss your options further with an experienced criminal lawyer.

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Answered on 12/29/07, 12:30 pm


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