Should You Try to Get Your Criminal Record Expunged?

  

Should You Try to Get Your Criminal Record Expunged?

While everyone makes mistakes, there are times when those mistakes lead to being arrested. When this happens, particularly to a young person, one mistake made early in life can haunt them forever in terms of attending college, getting a job, buying a house, and other important life events. To keep this from happening, it is sometimes best to try having your criminal record expunged, meaning any convictions will be erased. Criminal record expungement is, however, only something possible with certain types of convictions. If you are considering this option, here are some indications that a criminal record expungement might be helpful to you in your situation.

If You Want To Erase The Stigma

While it may seem like a petty thing to be concerned about, the truth is that criminal records carry a stigma, even if the crime was minor or far in the past. Even if you made a mistake years ago, having a criminal record will carry with it a stigma that others will find hard to ignore. Whether applying for a job, loan, or to college, a criminal record will always have you trying to explain what happened and why you are now a better person. There are some employers who won’t consider job applicants with criminal records, and it can impact your ability to get approved for certain financial benefits and contracts in some states.

If You Were Arrested but not Charged

Another reason to get your record expunged is if it simply indicates an arrest, not a formal charge. If you were arrested by police but were eventually released and never charged with a crime, you should consider criminal record expungement. Otherwise, most people will simply see that you were arrested and care little whether or not charges were actually filed against you. This is often because employers and others don’t realize the difference between arrest and formal criminal charges.

If Your Name Appears by Mistake

In some situations where an arrest has been made, a person’s name may appear on a criminal record by mistake. Should this happen to you, it will undoubtedly keep you from living the life you wish. Rather than let a simple clerical error cost you jobs, a home, loans, or a higher education, work with a lawyer to erase this mistake.

If You Were Acquitted

Even if you were arrested, charged with a crime, and later acquitted by a judge or jury, the fact that you still have a criminal record could be damaging to your life in so many ways. Although legally you were found innocent in the eyes of the court, the court of public opinion may feel otherwise about you once others discover your criminal record.

 

Since not all criminal records are eligible for expungement, such as those where a person has a guilty conviction, it is important to discuss your situation with an expungement lawyer. By doing so, you can learn whether or not your record is eligible for this process, how much it will cost, and what will be involved in helping rid yourself of the stigma associated with having a criminal record.

 

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends looking into criminal record expungement. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

Want to access the global talent market? Apply for a Sponsor License.

   

Domestic skill shortages have been felt lately which has encouraged employers in Britain to look for the Global Talent market to meet their recruitment needs. However, employing a skilled non-EEA worker involves a number of challenges which include applying for a sponsor license. With a high refusal rate, employers struggle to get the application process right.

The Concept of Sponsor License

A sponsor license is a permission granted by the Home Office to an employer (UK based organization) to employ skilled Non-EEA workers under the Tier 2 visa route. Employers must make a Sponsor License application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to evidence their eligibility and that they meet the requirements for the sponsors. The applicant must provide evidence that the organisation is operating lawfully in the UK with effective HR and recruitment systems. Also, need to provide supportive documents to prove that genuine employment is offered that meets the Tier 2 skill level. The organisation has also appointed key personnel who are dependable and honest.

Points to Consider Before Applying for a Sponsor License

  • The applicant needs to check if the business is eligible for the Tier 2 employer sponsor license.
  • The applicant must ascertain the type of workers needed by the business.
  • The applicant needs to consider the two options available for tier 2 certificate of sponsorship-the restricted (CoS) and the unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
  • The applicant also needs to decide the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

Appointing Key Personnel

A tier 2 employer sponsor license holder must nominate individuals within the organisation to manage the immigration relation functions.

  • Authorising Officer: A senior and competent person who will be responsible for the activities related to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
  • Key Contact: The organisation’s main point of contact with UKVI
  • Level 1 user: Level 1 is responsible for day-to-day sponsorship activities using the SMS

Please note that these nominated individuals are subject to a background check by UKVI.

Compile Your Application & Supporting Documentation

The application of sponsor licence consists of 4 parts surrounding business information, the justification for applying for Tier 2 Sponsor license, supporting documents, and the nomination of key personnel. Typically, the business needs to inform about the location, the total number of workers, and information in regard to registration with HMRC. There are other mandatory documents that depend on the nature of the business but generally, a prospective tier 2 employer sponsor license is expected to provide documents that would already be in their possession in the ordinary course of business. For instance, bank statements, tenancy agreement or commercial property, VAT Certificate, Unaudited Account, etc.

These supporting documents must be sent within five days of the initial application. Failure to submit required documents may result in rejection of your application. Hence, the applicant of tier 2 employer sponsor license must be ready with all the necessary evidence and documentation by the time of making an application.

Prepare for a UKVI Inspection

The main objective of UKVI inspection is to examine if the organization has adequate HR systems in place in order to meet sponsor guidance tier 2 and also to assess whether or not to grant the license. An audit of HR operation is the key consideration that can undoubtedly impact license application.

Resident Labour Market Test

The Resident Labour Market Test primarily involves the prospective employer to ensure that the role has been advertised for atleast 28 days in two advertising portals. It requires the employer to certify that the opportunity was already offered to British Citizens, UK based EEA residents, and settled migrants before accessing the global market. However, there are certain circumstances where it is not necessary to undertake Resident Labour Market Test such as the position already appeared on the Home Office’s Shortage Occupation List, salary package exceeds £155,300 or above, and Ph.D. level role.

How Does an Immigration Firm Help With Tier 2 Employer Sponsor License?

An experienced immigration firm helps to streamline a full employer sponsor license application right from conducting an initial assessment to training staff on compliance duties and responsibilities. Still unsure about the Tier 2 employer sponsor license? Look no further than A Y & J which provides advice on all immigration matters and applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do When You Receive a Letter from the IRS

   

Guest Contributor- Mary King- Tax Attorney

While we are all hopefully informed that any phone that claims to be from the IRS is, in all probability, in fact, a scam, couldn’t the same be said about any letter that a taxpayer may end up receiving.

Each year, the IRS sends out millions of letters, and many of them need not be the target of fear. The news in the letter may well be good or bad. If there is bad news about the letter, don’t stress. You can seek support here.   

Why am I getting this letter?

Of course, when you receive an IRS letter your first fear is possible that you are being audited. And mail actually is how the IRS would try to contact you if you were audited.

But an IRS letter isn’t always a warning you are being audited. It could also be asking for more information.

Other probable reasons include:

  • Your payment will be different from what you thought initially
  • The IRS has questions concerning your tax return
  • It wants to send you more information about your taxes
  • It wants your identity checked
  • Changes or adjustments to your tax return
  • Your refund will be adjourned

What am I supposed to do with that IRS letter?

1. Don’t Panic

The IRS and its independently authorized collection companies do send letters by fax. Much of the time what the taxpayer has to do is thoroughly read the message and take the necessary action. You will typically handle a note by merely referring to it. The majority of IRS reports include individual tax refunds or tax records.

There are different guidelines for every document, please read the note carefully as it will inform you what you need to do. Your note would presumably include improvements to your record, taxes that you owe, or a request for payment. Your note might, therefore, ask you for more detail on a specific topic.

2. Verify that the letter is not a scam

The very first important step is to ensure you are not scammed. Fraudsters trying to pose as the IRS scares people and can cause them to send sensitive data without taking into account the consequences. That’s the last thing you wish to do.

Whether the sound is hostile or if it employs intimidation tactics like threatening you with detention or seeking compensation without allowing you the chance to complain or raise questions, the email is a fraud. IRS letters are logical, not dramatic in speech. This is also a fraud letter as it asks you by mail or over the phone for detailed payment details. This is a sign of a fraudster trying to get information about a payment card. The IRS almost rarely talks by email, e-mail, or social media. By these approaches, correspondence is still a fraud.

3. Take action in a timely manner

When you have read the letter thoroughly, it is time you take action. You may need to provide a clear date to respond to the message. Make sure to escape any fines and retain the right to appeal by meeting with the deadline. Unless the letter does not specifically seek a reply, then no answer is needed. Make sure to:

Follow some guidance in your letter

  • If you owe capital, then pay for it. 
  • If you cannot afford it, you can apply for a Compromise or Online Payment Policy Request
  • Hold a copy of the approval letter
  • Should you have any concerns, please do email the IRS. In the top right corner of the document, you will consider the telephone number of the department

 

4. Don’t procrastinate on responding

The problem is often an easy one to solve. So the longer you take to respond, the more interest payments you can face and penalty fees, based on what the problem is.

Don’t wait for the IRS letter to take action as ordered. The quicker you deal with it, the better you are going to be able to put the matter behind you.

5. Avoid future IRS letters

The easiest way to stop unfavorable IRS notices is to file the tax returns on time, correctly. The most frequent explanation for an IRS letter is an omission in your tax report. Upon filing, a thorough analysis of the tax returns will reduce the chance of this.

Got a letter from the IRS? Speak to an experienced IRS attorney Florida

Whether you have got an IRS letter and you have concerns about it, please talk to a professional tax solicitor. They will help you make the letter effective, decide the next steps to be taken, and coordinate with the IRS if appropriate.

If you have concerns or are not entirely sure how to satisfy the demands of the IRS effectively, then consulting with a tax professional can be appropriate. The IRS attorney in Florida will help you with IRS investigations, international registration problems, and a variety of IRS tax concerns. 

What to Do Against Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Lockdowns

  

Guest Writer: Andrea Williams

In a world stricken by a global pandemic, stay-at-home orders or lockdowns have become a primary method of slowing down the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Bad as COVID-19 statistics are still around the world, things could have been so much worse now without stay-at-home orders.

However, for a person experiencing domestic violence, being forced to stay home renders her essentially trapped with the person perpetrating the abuse.

Mandatory lockdowns may be proving effective at curbing the spread of COVID-19, but being in such close quarters with abusive partners day in and day out is putting the lives of countless domestic violence sufferers in danger.

Victims of abuse need the help of family, friends, their domestic violence attorney, and other resources, but reaching out to them has become trickier during the pandemic. So, what can victims do to protect themselves against domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdowns?

Know You’re Being Abused

Physical abuse is the most telling sign of domestic violence, but it goes beyond that. Domestic violence can also be psychological, emotional, sexual, financial, or spiritual.

Unfortunately, some people are not even aware they’re being abused, particularly those who are not being subjected to physical violence. In the time of COVID-19, signs of domestic violence also include the following:

  • Scaring you from visiting family using COVID-19 as an excuse
  • Scaring or controlling you with misinformation about the coronavirus
  • Stopping you from getting medical attention if he is symptomatic
  • Threatening to infect you with the virus if he has symptoms
  • Blaming you for giving him COVID-19, especially if you’re a healthcare worker
  • Withholding hand soap, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, face masks, and other necessary items
  • Stopping you from reporting for work
  • Withholding money, food, and other essentials

Remember, you don’t have to be punched, kicked, strangled, or bitten by your partner to become a victim of domestic violence.

Put A Safety Plan In Place

The National Domestic Violence Hotline encourages the creation of safety plans for those who are in an abusive relationship. With a personalized safety plan in place, domestic violence victims will have a guide that will provide the steps they need to take in the event they decide to leave, as well as information on staying safe long after you leave an abusive home behind.

Self-Care Is Paramount

Being at the receiving end of abuse in a time such as this is bound to take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Leaving and filing appropriate charges is still the ideal way of dealing with ongoing domestic violence. However, if you decide to stay for whatever reason, the least you can do is practice self-care.

Cope with your domestic situation by engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, or simply getting fresh air in the backyard, all of which can do wonders for your health and well-being.

Reach Out

As previously mentioned, leaving and filing charges is your best bet against domestic violence. However, that would prove to be tricky if you don’t or can’t reach out to people and resources that can provide you with the help you need.

Granted, the COVID-19 pandemic does make you think twice about going to shelters or staying with family and friends when you flee an abusive home. There is always the danger of getting infected or infecting someone else with COVID-19.

Nevertheless, your loved ones will always be willing to help if you only reach out to them. They will still give you shelter if you need it. You just have to make sure to continue following established COVID-19 protocols, from washing your hands regularly to practicing social distancing.

Crucial to your getting help from friends and loved ones is your ability to stay in touch with them. While you’re still inside an abusive home, make sure you use all available options to communicate.

You can text, call, FaceTime, email, or contact them on social media to make them aware of your current situation. Be careful, though, because your abusive partner may be monitoring your online activity.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to talk to someone.  When you speak to one of their trained advocates, you will receive guidance on how to handle your domestic situation, among other things.

Domestic violence has been around long before the coronavirus, but the COVID-19 pandemic just made things worse. Nevertheless, your safety and those of your children are of paramount concern. Whatever fears you may have about COVID-19, don’t let them get in the way of protecting yourself and your children from the consequences of domestic violence. If leaving is what it would take to survive an abusive home, then do it, while following all the safety practices against COVID-19 at the same time.

 

 

About the Author

Andrea Williams is the Community Manager at The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates P.C., a premier law group in Arizona that provides legal services to clients involved in Personal Injury, DUI, Immigration and Criminal cases. She enjoys cooking, reading books, and playing minigolf with her friends and family in her spare time.

What You Should Do After Getting a DUI in Missouri-Guest Post

  

Missouri Drunk Driving Lawyer

In Missouri, driving under the influence (DUI) is also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you operate a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, you will be charged with DUI. Blood-alcohol content is the measure of alcohol in your blood.

In most states, you will be required to take DUI alcohol screenings if your permit, license, or driving privileges has been suspended due to DUI. The test is completed by a behavioral specialist at an approved counseling facility.

What is the DUI process in Missouri like?

 If you get pulled over and the officer on site suspects you are intoxicated, you will likely undergo a field sobriety test. Standard field sobriety tests include:

  • Standing on one foot
  • Walking in a straight line then stopping and walking back
  • Following a light with just your eyes while keeping your neck and head still

You will be placed under arrest on suspicion of drinking and driving if you fail the tests. You will also be asked to submit to BAC testing. If you refuse, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately.

What should you do if you get slappedcharged with a DUI?

 At the time of your arrest, you have the right to an attorney. You should take advantage of said right and get an attorney who can represent you. If you are in police custody, it would be best to have someone you trust find a competent attorney.

You can also ask family members and friends if they know a good DUI lawyer. Another option you have is to search for lawyers online. Nowadays, several sites can connect you with a DUI attorney.

If charged with DUI, you will have an arraignment. At the arraignment, you can either plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. Your lawyer will educate you on the consequences of your plea.

A judge will sentence you if you plead guilty. If you plead otherwise, a trial date will be set. During the trial, you and your attorney will present evidence to convince a jury or judge that you are innocent.

What are the penalties of afor DUI conviction in Missouri?

 You must be aware of the penalties you will face if you are charged with a DUI in Missouri. The severity of the punishment you will receive is dependent on several factors, including prior DUI history.

First Time Offenders 

  • Fines of up to $500
  • Full license suspension for 30 days (60 days restricted)
  • Up to six months in jail

Second Time Offenders

  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • One year license suspension (or five years if the second offense was within five years of the previous offense)
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (prevents the car from starting if the driver’s BAC is below a specific limit)
  • Up to a year in jail

Third Time Offenders

  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • Ten-year license suspension
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Up to four years in jail

What is Missouri’s new DUI law all about?

 Missouri’s legislature enacted effective August 2010, a n ew Missouri DUI law. Some of the things the law accomplished include:

  • Creation of a centralized reporting database so DUI offenses can be tracked
  • Prevention of municipal court hearings if the offender already has two or more offenses.
  • Allowing DUI courts to facilitate treatment for repeat offenders and those with very high BAC levels.
  • Establishment of criteria for qualifying graduates and participants of a DWI court program to secure a court-ordered limited driving privilege.
  • Prohibition of first alcohol-related driving offense from being removed or expunged from the person’s record if he has another alcohol-related action pending or alcohol-related contact on file.

Conclusion

 

When charged with DUI in Missouri, you must get a lawyer as soon as possible. Their expert help and guidance can help ensure you can resolve the matter in the best way possible.

Guest Post: 10 Criminal Law Tips Everyone Needs to Know

   

10 Criminal Law Tips Everyone Needs to Know

Regardless of whether you are a past wrongdoer, right now dealing with criminal indictments, or have a spotless record, these criminal law tips are realities that everybody has to know. Not exclusively can having this information secure you and your friends and family in different circumstances, however, it can likewise assist you with exploring the present and future legitimate issues that are in progress. Keep perusing to learn 10 criminal law realities and exhortation, and make certain to pass this data onto your companions, collaborators, and friends and family.


Significant Criminal Defense Tips


1. If you are pulled over and an official presumes you have been drinking, you reserve the privilege to reject a balance test. Be that as it may, there is a genuine catch. Remember this likewise implies law requirement will capture you on the spot, and your drivers' permit will be consequently suspended for a year. This is because most states, for example, Indiana, are "inferred assent" states. This implies if you have a drivers' permit, at that point you consequently agree to BAC testing whenever.


2. On the off chance that law implementation appears at your home or office mentioning to look through the premises, you reserve the option to can't. On the off chance that they have a court order, you don't have this privilege and you should help out them. If they don't have a court order, close the entryway and promptly contact a criminal safeguard legal counselor.


3. On the off chance that you are gone up against by law authorization, consistently be affable and helpful. Having a mentality, being ill-bred, and declining to coordinate will just get you in a tough situation. On the off chance that you need the most ideal involvement in the police, regardless of whether you wind up getting captured or not, be certain you are respectful, expressive, and agreeable. They have all the force right now, and you should recall that you don't have command over the circumstance, so it is ideal to simply surrender and give up all the control. This will make your time with police and prison (on the off chance that it gets to that) much simpler for you.


4. On the off chance that you are as of now waiting on the post-trial process or parole for a past offense, and you carry out another wrongdoing, you will confront extra lawful sentences and punishments on the one you are presently serving. Numerous individuals are uninformed of how genuine of an offense it is to damage probation or parole, particularly by carrying out another wrongdoing. You can unquestionably hope to be condemned to prison time.


5. A minor is an individual beyond 10 18 years old younger than 18. Notwithstanding, minors can be charged as a grown-up in specific cases. This generally occurs if the wrongdoing is intense or if the minor is near turning 18 years of age.


6. On the off chance that you are a past guilty party, and it has been numerous years since your last offense, you may meet all requirements to have your criminal record fixed from free. This implies bosses, banks, proprietors, and the overall population can't look into a specific criminal allegation or capture. You should have a criminal barrier attorney assist you with petitioning for record fixing, as the procedure is exceptionally intricate and requesting.


7. To get a total duplicate of your criminal record, you should order all records in each province and state they exist. That is because neighborhood, state, and government records are on the whole unique. You should contact the agent's office or neighborhood specialists to get the records you need. You can likewise have your criminal protection legal counselor help you with this.


8. Never postpone your entitlement to a lawyer. Moreover, never endeavor to speak to yourself in court. On the off chance that you need to maintain a strategic distance from the most extreme punishments for your criminal accusations, you have to have an accomplished legal counselor dealing with your safeguard. They are the main ones who have the information and assets to ensure your privileges and safeguard your opportunities.


9. You must be cautious about what you post to your internet based life accounts. You should comprehend that your web-based life action can be utilized against you in an official courtroom, even municipal court, separate from the court, and other common courts. Law authorization and government associations have the innovation that permits them to distinguish IP addresses, areas, arranges, times, dates, and that's just the beginning. On the off chance that you post from a coffeehouse at the intersection of Ninth and Main, they can discover. Nothing is private on your web-based life, and all action is for all time logged for eternity.


10. The most ideal approach to abstain from getting in a difficult situation with the law is to encircle yourself with constructive and sound individuals and to participate in solid exercises. Moreover, teaching yourself on specific points of interest of the law can assist you with understanding your privileges and commitments as a U.S. resident. If you ever have inquiries concerning the law, contact a confided in criminal resistance legal counselor for proficient guidance and answers.

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Author bio: John Jahrmarkt, Esq. is the owner and managing partner of Jahrmarkt & Associates. John has more than 20 years of experience handling all kinds of personal injury claims – from complicated catastrophic injuries to garden variety “soft tissue” pain. John knows how the insurance industry works and the steps their adjusters can take to protect their profits.

s how the insurance industry works and the steps their adjusters can take to protect their profits.