Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorneys Blog

Expungement of Criminal Records in Oklahoma

2011-11-10T21:40:24Z

Expungement of Criminal Records in Oklahoma. What may seem like a minor brush with the law can have a long term negative impact on your life - affecting employability and restricting opportunities due to a failed background check. After any arrest, it is crucial that you contact an experienced attorney right away to lay the groundwork for an outcome with minimal impact on your future. Often an arrest alone (whether or not any charges are subsequently filed) will result in the formation of a criminal arrest record. If no action is taken, the details of the arrest may appear on a routine background check.

An expungement is the process of petitioning the Court for the sealing of all or any part of a criminal arrest record. A successful expungement may restrict or eliminate the arrest information accessible to the public and appearing on a background check.

Who has record of the arrest?

The arresting agency will have record of the arrest. If booked in to a detention center, the facility and affiliated sheriff's department (if any) will have record of the arrest. If criminal charges result from the arrest, the Court and prosecuting entity will also possess records. Depending on the practices of the agencies involved, the arrest will most likely be reported to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The Open Records Act specifically states that law enforcement agencies are to make certain records available to the public, including: identifying information about the arrestee, conviction information , facts of the arrest and related reports. It is now easier than ever for members of the public to access this information, as most of it is available online at either www.OSCN.net or www.ODCR.com.

The case was dismissed, the Defendant was found not guilty, the Defendant received probation and/or no conviction resulted from the arrest.
Is an expungement still necessary to seal the record from public access?

In most cases, yes. Usually once a criminal arrest record exists, action must be taken to expunge, or "seal," the record, regardless of the outcome of the arrest. Learn more about expungements by visting the expungement page on our site at http://www.nedwicklaw.com/Criminal-Defense/Expungement-of-Criminal-Records.shtml

Every matter is different and the degree of relief provided by an expungement will vary from case to case. Not all arrests may be expunged. An attorney licensed in the state of Oklahoma should be consulted about the expungement process in this state.

Information furnished courtesy of The Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick in Norman, Oklahoma. www.NedwickLaw.com

How to Access Oklahoma District Court Matters Online

2011-11-02T19:09:40Z

Most Family Law Matters, Civil Cases and Criminal Matters (felonies and misdemeanors) may be accessed online, depending on the county at either www.OSCN.net or www.ODCR.com . These sites are great resources for tracking court dates and case filings; however, parties to cases should rely on their attorneys for the most accurate case information.

Cleveland County, Oklahoma County and Tulsa County cases may be accessed at www.OSCN.net.

McClain County, Garvin County, Pottowatomie County and Grady County matters may be accessed at www.ODCR.com.

How to Access Case Information at www.OSCN.net
(Cleveland County, Oklahoma County and Tulsa County Cases)

Step #1: Go to www.OSCN.net and click on "Court Dockets"

Step #2: Select County from drop-down menu and click on "Search Dockets"

Step #3:
Select County from drop-down menu
-OR-
leave at "All Oklahoma Courts," to search all available counties.
-AND-
To search by case number: Enter Case Number
-OR-
To search by name: Enter Name of Party

Step #4: Click "GO" (Insert Pic #3a)

How to Access Case Information at www.ODCR.com
(McClain County, Garvin County, Pottowatomie County
and Grady County Cases)

Go to www.ODCR.com and Select a county and enter name or party or case number. Click "Search for Cases"

What Information is Available?

The type of information accessible to the public online varies by case, county and website. In Cleveland County, for example, information about almost all felony and misdemeanor criminal charges are available online at www.OSCN.net . In most criminal cases, the actual case related documents are available for viewing and printing. Domestic abuse charges, Protective orders, Sex crimes (Rape, Lewd Molestation, etc.) and cases involving children (adoptions, guardianships, DHS Cases, Juvenile delinquent and deprived, etc.) are not available for public viewing on the internet. Information about most DUI charges, drug charges, and other general criminal misdemeanor and felony cases can be found online. For information about representation on criminal cases, visit: http://www.nedwicklaw.com/Criminal-Defense/

While the actual documents may not be retrievable, case information in divorce and most other family law matters (paternity cases, custody cases, etc.) is usually available. For information about representation in a family law matter, visit: http://www.nedwicklaw.com/Family-Law-Divorce/

These resources are for information purposes only and no information found there should be interpreted without the assistance of a lawyer. Information on these sites is not always correct and up to date. An Oklahoma attorney should be contacted about any questions regarding Oklahoma legal matters.

Information furnished courtesy of The Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick in Norman, Oklahoma. http://www.nedwicklaw.com/

Welcome to Our Oklahoma City Criminal and Family Law Blog

2011-09-22T18:51:52Z

When you face prosecution for a felony or misdemeanor, an aggressive lawyer can be of great assistance and can help you get the results you want. If you are considering filing for divorce or are already a party to a marital breakup, you want a compassionate attorney to guide you through the process. Oklahoma's legal system can be confusing and intimidating, with a unique set of rules and a language of its own. An attorney who understands the law and the process can help you evaluate your options and make the right decisions.

At the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C., we assist clients throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding area who have been arrested or charged with a crime, or who are involved in a family law dispute. We have worked hard for the rights of regular folks since we opened our practice, shortly after attorney Nedwick left law school. We built our practice on a commitment to personal service and attention, taking the time to listen closely, so that we can formulate a strategy to get the outcome you want. We know how to quickly determine the next step in your criminal or family law case.

Contact our office by e-mail or call us at 405-253-5297 (toll free at 866-872-7517) to discuss your situation with an attorney.

Our Criminal and Family Law Blog

We established this blog to provide valuable information to individuals throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities who have questions or concerns about a criminal prosecution or a family law matter. We will regularly update this blog, posting on a wide range of criminal and family law topics, including driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, divorce, custody and visitation. We will also post articles about certain personal injury topics.

We welcome your participation in the discussions on this blog. Feel free to comment on posts that interest you.

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