Oregon Record Expungement
Removing an old crime from your record is the single best way to restore your gun rights. For adult crimes that is called a 'set aside' and for juvenile adjudications the process is called an 'expungement'. When a crime has been removed from your record it will not stand in the way of obtaining a better or new job, finding housing, or successfully passing a background check to purchase/possess a firearm. Under Oregon law if a crime has been Set Aside it is "deemed not to have occurred" and you "may answer accordingly any questions relating to its occurrence." See ORS 137.225 for more details. This is why the best path towards gun ownership, and even obtaining a Concealed Handgun License under Oregon Law is through an set aside.
Every set aside has fees for the background check and requires a Motion, Order, and Affidavit/Declaration. These are all documents your lawyer will prepare for you. It will be necessary to obtain one fingerprint card. Click the link to find out where you can obtain a fingerprint card in your area. Fingerprint cards are maintained by the federal government, and the same anywhere in the United States.
Adult Crimes
Step 1: Is your crime eligible to be set aside?
There are many Oregon crimes that are eligible to be Set Aside or sealed. Almost all Misdemeanors and Class C Felonies are eligible for this process. All Possession of a Controlled Substance convictions. After legalization, almost all Marijuana crimes are eligible to be Set Aside regardless of their classification in the criminal justice system. If you have a crime that qualifies under this list you may qualify for a Set Aside of your old conviction.
Crimes that are statutorily not eligible include;
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Criminal Mistreatment (if constituting elder abuse)
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Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (if constituting child abuse)
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Criminally Negligent Homicide
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Assault in the Third Degree (if the victim was under 10 years of age)
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A Sex Crime (unless you have been granted relief from the registry requirement)
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Traffic Crimes (DUIIs, Eluding in a Vehicle, and Reckless Driving)
Assuming the crime itself is not prohibited for setting aside, the proper timeline must have also passed.
TIMELINES
For a Class B felony, seven years from the date of conviction or the release of the person from imprisonment for the conviction sought to be set aside, whichever is later.
For a Class C felony, five years from the date of conviction or the release of the person from imprisonment for the conviction sought to be set aside, whichever is later.
For a Class A misdemeanor, three years from the date of conviction or the release of the person from imprisonment for the conviction sought to be set aside, whichever is later.
For a Class B or Class C misdemeanor, a violation or the finding of a person in contempt of court, one year from the date of conviction or finding or the release of the person from imprisonment for the conviction or finding sought to be set aside, whichever is later.
By hiring the Lawyers at Oregon Gun Law we will assist in determining if the crime that you were convicted qualifies for a Set Aside. Our lawyers have set aside hundreds of crimes successfully every year.
Traffic violations do not count toward these time calculations. You are also allowed to have one (1) non-traffic violation (MIP, possession of marijuana, TriMet Citation etc).
The time calculations are complex and there are many, many variables. It is best to have a free consultation with an experienced expungement attorney to discuss the eligibility of your crime and how we can assist you.
Oregon Expungement Lawyer Review
"Shawn Kollie is one of the best attorneys that I have ever dealt with. I am 68 yrs old and a previous business owner. With my background, I have interacted and employed many attorneys over the years. If you ever need Mr. Kollie's services, please don't hesitate. Just get him asap! He performed miracles for us and all I can say is; God bless him & his staff! They are wonderful people who care!" - Robin S.
Other Considerations
To set aside a crime you have to have completed probation successfully including;
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Paid back all the fines and fees
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This includes any fines and fees on other cases you may have, including traffic violations
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Completed your community service
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Completed the treatment courses necessary on your case
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Waited enough time to be off probation
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Did not violate the law during your probation
If you were unsuccessful on your probation and 'revoked' from your probation than the clock starts over. If probation is unsuccessful than the application requires a wait for three (3) years from the date of that revocation, or a later date consistant with the original timelines of the Set Aside statute.
The lawyers at Oregon Gun Law will assist in answering all of your questions and assisting with a Motion to Set Aside you old conviction. After a Set Aside you will be eligible to Purchase and Possess firearms as well as obtain an Oregon Concealed Handgun License. Do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss your options on sealing old crimes.
Juvenile Adjudication
A Juvenile Adjudication will also prohibit someone from purchasing or possessing firearms. The process for Expungement of a Juvenile Adjudication is different than an Adult Conviction. It is helpful to have an attorney that knows the process to aide in your success.
ORS 419A.262 describes the process in detail. If your old juvenile adjudication is eligible to be expunge and completely seal your old crimes. Let our lawyers help you every step of the way.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.