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Expungements & Sealings

Expungements and Sealings can help you put the past behind you. Vermont is consistently expanding what convictions are eligible for sealing or expungement.

Expungements

Expungements can help you put the past behind you. Vermont is consistently expanding what convictions are eligible for sealing or expungement.

If you received a conviction for some misdemeanor and felony offenses you can be eligible for sealing of the conviction in as little as two years if you were under twenty-one at the time of the offense.

Other convictions become eligible for expungement or sealing after five or ten years depending on the conviction and any subsequent criminal charges.

In 2019, the Vermont state legislature expanded the eligible crimes to include first offense DUI convictions. Burke Law handles expungements and can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement or sealing, when you are eligible and what documents need to be filed to petition the court for expungement or sealing relief.

Sealings

Expungements and sealings in Vermont have the same effect on your criminal history.

Clients often worry that if a crime is “sealed” it isn’t as good as if it is “expunged.” For most purposes, sealing and expungement have the same impact on criminal history in Vermont.

A person whose record is sealed shall be treated in all respects as if he or she had never been arrested, convicted, or sentenced for the offense.

The court will issue the person a certificate stating that such person’s behavior after the conviction has warranted the issuance of the order and that its effect is to annul the record of arrest, conviction, and sentence. The court will provide notice of the sealing to the respondent, Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC), the arresting agency, and any other entity that may have a record related to the order to seal. The VCIC shall provide notice of the sealing to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center.

In any application for employment a person may be required to answer questions about a previous criminal history record only with respect to arrests or convictions that have not been sealed.

“We take a highly personalized approach to every case we fight. We believe in criminal justice and will ensure that we get you the best results possible.”
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Client Testimonials

"Jessica Burke was extremely professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding. Her hard work showed in the positive result."
"Jessica is great. She goes to bat for you with everything she has. Both she, and, Simone make every effort to make you comfortable, and explain your options and next steps. Very well priced with a great value.
"Jess is fantastic! Very up front and highly knowledgable with a strong community network behind her. Always does an outstanding job and the first consult is free!!"
"Leah Henderson is a proactive advocate for the ones who need her in action when facing the possibility of charges that can affect the rest of your lives."
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Why Burke Law?

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Experienced, Connected, and Results-Driven

Our team has decades of combined experience working within the local courts in Vermont. Our relationships with prosecutors and judges help us to make sure our clients get the best outcomes possible.

Energetic, Eager to Advocate, and Passionate About Justice

We are professionals with the experience and energy to fight for what we believe in and advocate for our clients, even if it means taking a case to trial. We’re passionate about helping our clients move forward with their lives.

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