How to Delete a Criminal Record? In Which Cases is Deletion Possible?

How to Delete a Criminal Record? In Which Cases is Deletion Possible?

Criminal records, commonly known as "criminal records," are documents that contain a person's past criminal records and court decisions. However, you don't have to let past mistakes cloud your future. So, how do you delete a criminal record? In which cases is deletion possible? We explain step by step in this guide.

Why Are Criminal Records Important?

Criminal records appear in many areas, from job applications to official transactions. For example:

• Job Applications: Many employers may ask to see your criminal record. A clean record can be an advantage in the hiring process.

• Foreign Procedures: Some countries request a criminal record during visa application.

• Official Procedures: Criminal records are taken into consideration in procedures such as applying for civil service.

Therefore, if you have a negative criminal record, having it expunged can have a positive impact on your life.

In Which Cases Can Criminal Records Be Deleted?

In order to have a criminal record expunged, certain conditions must be met. Here are the most common situations:

1. Expiration of Penalty Period and Completion of Inspection Process:

   • A person who has been sentenced to prison is subject to a period of supervision after completing their sentence. Once this period is over and the person does not re-offend, their criminal record can be expunged.

2. Acquittal or Suspension of Announcement of Verdict (HAGB):

   • Persons who have been acquitted by a court decision or who have been issued a HAGB decision can apply to have their information in the criminal record deleted.

3. Amnesty Laws:

   • In cases of general or special amnesty, criminal records may be erased.

4. Experienced Time and Statute of Limitations:

   • For some crimes, records are automatically erased after a certain period of time.

How to Erase Criminal Records?

You can follow the steps below to have your criminal record erased:

1. Request Criminal Records and Archive Records:

   • First, find out your criminal record via e-Government or by applying to the Criminal Records Directorate.

2. Assess Your Situation:

   • Learn the duration of the crime on your record, the type of punishment and other details. Analyze whether you meet the conditions for expungement.

3. Application to the Criminal Records Directorate:

   • You can apply to the General Directorate of Criminal Records and Statistics with a petition to have your criminal record deleted.

4. Application to Court (If Necessary):

   • If the Criminal Records Office rejects your application, you can apply to the competent court and request deletion of your record.

5. Get Expert Support:

   • If the process seems complicated, getting support from a lawyer can make things easier.

Statistics on Criminal Records in Türkiye

Data on criminal records show how widespread this process is:

• According to 2023 Data: Approximately 15 million people in Turkey have criminal records.

• Applications for Expungement: Every year, thousands of people apply to have their criminal records expunged.

• Success Rate: 85% of applications that meet the requirements are approved.

These statistics show that there is a great awareness and need in society regarding criminal records.

Why Should You Work with a Professional?

Expunging a criminal record is a legal process and care must be taken at every stage. An incorrect application may prolong the process or cause you to fail completely.

As Fulya Law Firm, we guide you in your criminal record deletion process. We are here to help you get fast and effective results.

Contact Us For More Information

Do you have questions about your criminal record? Follow our social media accounts or visit our website for detailed information. Don't let your past overshadow your future!