Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
You might be surprised to learn that more than one in four Utahns has a criminal record, according to the Utah State Courts. Having a record can prevent you from getting a job, renting an apartment, qualifying for a loan, volunteering in your kid's school, and obtaining several other opportunities.
After serving your time and paying your debt to society, that record can still haunt you — and clearing it is costly.
An award-winning, Utah-based legal tech company wants to change that. Rasa Legal is on a mission to help clear as many eligible records as possible by removing the complicated and costly barriers that often get in the way of that process.
Recently, American Legal Technology presented Rasa with the Access to Justice Award for their work to help people expunge their records. Expunging a criminal record means that the court orders the history of the case to be sealed, including arrest, detention, conviction and verdict records, according to the Utah State Courts website.
Online testimonials give a brief glimpse at how Rasa is helping people improve their lives and their circumstances by expunging their records.
"I passed my background check with my new potential employer and received a generous offer letter which increases my current salary by 17%!! I am so excited! I hope you … realize how much you help people and the impact you have on their lives! I can't thank you enough!" one review reads.
Another customer said they "could not have had a better experience" and "would not hesitate to recommend Rasa to anyone that is looking for expungement services in the state of Utah."
If you're eager for a fresh start and the better opportunities that come with a clean slate, here's what you need to know.
This web app can check your eligibility for expungement
Rasa recently launched a new web app that 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. You can watch a demo of the app and check your eligibility online today.
Rasa keeps costs as low as possible
When it comes to getting your record cleared, you have three options: represent yourself, hire a lawyer, or go through Rasa. The first option can be lengthy and complicated. The second option is likely to cost you between $1,500 to $3,000, on top of court filing fees.
Hiring Rasa to represent you costs just $500 (includes legal work in up to 3 cases, but does not include the $65 government application fee). Rasa will handle everything for you, and make sure you are informed about your cases, every step of the way. Each additional case costs $250, which is far cheaper than most attorneys would charge.
Now is a good time to check your record
Utah recently passed a law to reduce the public safety certificate and court filing fees required to clear certain records. It's a pilot program that ends in June 2023, so it's important to start the process before then.
Don't wait to access your second chance. Check your eligibility, see what's on your record, and get your records expunged, so you can make more money, go back to school, repair your credit, get better housing, and move on with your life.
