If you are facing a felony criminal charge, and have never navigated the criminal justice system, you probably don't know what to expect. While your main focus may be on avoiding prison time, even the charge can have a negative impact on your life.

In addition to having to bond out following the arrest, the multitude of court appearances you will have to attend could interfere with work and other parts of your life. It could also result in a criminal record that might make it hard for you to secure certain things in the future, such as employment.

When a case is dismissed, either via a plea deal or upon acquittal, in some situations it may be possible to have your criminal record sealed. To accomplish this, it is imperative to work with a lawyer who understands the record sealing process.