Errors in criminal records can and do occur. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of errors on their reports until a potential employer finds the incorrect information when running a standard background record search.
For this reason, the attorneys of Douglas McDaniel Campo & Schools recommend that everyone who has been involved with the criminal justice system review their criminal record one year after their final case disposition (when their case ends.) You can request a copy of your public criminal record, also known as an “SBI” from the Maine State Bureau of Identification for a small fee.
Finding Mistakes On Your Public Maine Criminal Record
Maine Law dictates what should and should not be available as public information on your Maine Criminal Record after certain events have occurred, such as the “filing” of a charge, the end of a “deferred disposition,” or the dismissal of charges.
What you should watch for on your public record:
- Charges that have a guilty or not guilty verdict but show as pending
- Charges that were referred to the District Attorney’s office but later dismissed that still show as pending
- Charges that have been filed over a year prior and are shown as pending
- Charges that have been filed over a year prior and are recorded as a guilty conviction
- Charge names that do not correspond to what you were originally charged with, or pled to
Mistakes on your criminal record can create havoc in your life at the most inopportune of times, especially when an employer runs a public record background check and tells you that it appears that you have charges pending, when you know for certain that all three charges were dismissed years ago.
You can contact the Maine Bureau of Identification directly to try and resolve an error on your record. Sometimes, this process can become quite confusing. It is important to dispute and resolve any errors in a documented and timely matter, as the more time that passes, the more difficult it can be to locate the proper court records to resolve your issue.
If you are still having problems resolving an error on your public Maine Criminal Record, you may wish to speak to an attorney. Our law firm proudly offers free thirty minute initial criminal law case consultations. We can be reached by calling: 207-591-5747.
– Posted by Attorney Kristen R. Dorion
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