Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Once you've paid your debt to society, life doesn't always get back to normal. Criminal records can haunt you—and clearing them is costly.
Utah-based Rasa Legal wants to change that. They're on a mission to clear as many records as possible by removing the pricey and sometimes overwhelming barriers in your way. The only catch: due to changing state laws, Utah expungement fees will increase on June 30, 2023. Rasa wants to help you start the record-clearing process while the fees are still affordable.
If you're not familiar with expungement, it means that no one can access the records of your case without a court order. The Utah State Courts website says, "Generally, an arrest or a conviction stays on your record forever. Expunging a criminal record means that the court orders the history of the case sealed. This includes records of the arrest, investigation, detention, and conviction."
Once your case is expunged, you can truthfully say on housing or job applications that you have no criminal record. You no longer have to check that box. It also means that if asked, government agencies will say the same thing after receiving the expungement order.
Utah's HB 392 reduces expungement fees—for a time
Expungement laws vary from state to state. Some states have exorbitant fees. In Utah's case, Expungement Fee Amendments (HB 392) was passed last year to limit those fees and make the process feasible and accessible for all.
The bill created a pilot program that significantly reduces government fees associated with the expungement process. Between May 4, 2022 and June 30, 2023, no BCI certificate fees or court fees will be charged. As a result of this legislation, applicants will only have to pay the $65 application fee.
For example, if you had four cases eligible for expungement, you'd normally pay the application fee plus four BCI certificate fees for a total of $325. After HB 392, you only pay the $65 application fee. Next, you'd have to pay the district court filing fee for each of the four cases as well, for a grand total of $570. With HB 392 those fees are removed.
This past legislative session, Rep. Jim Dunnigan (R), sponsored HB 323 in an effort to extend the expungement fee waivers until June 2028. But, unfortunately, that bill failed to pass. As a result, the pilot program is ending June 30, 2023, which means expungement fees will go back up.
Quickly check your eligibility for expungement with the Rasa app
Rasa's app makes it quick and easy to learn what's on your record — and whether it is eligible for expungement. It costs only $15 to use, and the best part is that it only takes a few minutes to get an answer.
First, you'll answer a few basic screening questions and verify your identity. Next, Rasa will analyze your records to determine if they're eligible for expungement. If you are eligible, Rasa offers affordable legal representation to help you complete the process. In contrast to the $1,500 to $3,000 you will pay a lawyer, Rasa's legal team can represent you in up to three cases for just $500 (not including government fees).
You can learn more about Rasa's process here and check your eligibility online today. If you get your application in by June 30th of this year, BCI will not charge you the $65 certificate fee for each of your cases, which will potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
Why it matters
Criminal records make it difficult to do things like get an education, get a better job or promotion, obtain a loan, volunteer in your child's school, or achieve financial stability. Additionally, 9 out of 10 employers and 4 out of 5 landlords ask about criminal records, which makes it difficult for those with a record to obtain jobs and housing. Clearing a record can be life-changing and open up access to all kinds of opportunities.
Helping law-abiding citizens move beyond their criminal record to rent apartments and find jobs is good for Utah's economy and reduces the likelihood of individuals returning to the justice system.
Rasa Legal makes it simple and affordable
Now is the time to clear your record while you can save money on government fees. Rasa makes the process simple and affordable for everyone. They use software to provide expungement services for less than half the price of other lawyers.
Don't wait to access your second chance! Check your eligibility to see what's on your record and get your records expunged before HB 392 expires.
