We never stop learning in life. Or in business. As we review the issues that customers have, points of question, confusion, or things that just plain annoy them about how we do what we do at ClearMYrecord.com, sometimes it becomes clear that there's an area we need to improve. For the moment, it seems clear that we need to do a better job of talking about the process of seeking record relief generally AND about our process at ClearMYrecord. The last thing we want to do is leave people with expectations that we cannot fulfill. So I wanted to hit several issues on the blog, to be followed up by revisions to our website. But since the website is a whole big creature of its own, talking about these issues on the blog is the quickest way to begin to make things clearer.

First, ClearMYrecord.com is not a law firm.
We've had lawyers on our staff and on our board of directors. They have helped us create computer-based automated systems to help people navigate the process of seeking relief at the state and federal level, but representing you directly is not something we do. Our business is to help people help themselves by providing them correct, complete forms and with information about process.

Second, there is no magic to filing for record relief.
If you had the desire, you could ultimately find the forms you'd need to file for expungement, record sealing, or even a pardon. You might find them at the Clerk of Courts office or you might even find them online. But just like taxes, finding the forms and reading the instructions on how to file them is sometimes more hassle that a person wants to take on themselves. So they have an accountant help them. Or they buy software like Turbo Tax to help get their 1040 together. What ClearMYrecord does is a lot like that.

We also talk about how we will contact the databases out there that buy, sell, and share criminal records so that your record won't show up on a search even after you've been granted some kind of relief. Again, no magic, just a lot of hard research to find out what companies are engaged in this business and how to best contact them. If you have the time, it's something you might do on your own. But our own experience tells us that it takes A LOT to time to find out who these companies are. We also know that new companies are going on-line every day with these services. Keeping up is as tough as finding out the info in the first place.

Third, we are helping for only a part of the process.
Some parts you'll need to do on your own, like filing the papers with the court, maybe even appearing in front of a judge. You might have to get your fingerprints taken as part of your application. Though we wish we could, we aren't able to stand in for you – so the investment you make in clearing your record extends beyond paying us for the part we do. There will generally be other expenses, like filing fees, and other tasks, like court dates. Some states are pretty straightforward while others make you jump through plenty of hoops. We're happy to point out where the hoops are and to support you as much as we can, but the jumping through is up to you. But it's worth it when you get that signed order from the judge expunging your record. That's the light at the end of the tunnel!