How to Get an Expungement for Dismissed Felony Charges

[RIlegalhelp]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Rhode Island

in 2006 I was charged with B/E in Rhode Island. The charges were dismissed (48a) and I have since successfully completed 3 years probation with community service (ended March 2010). It seems that dismissed charges do not count as a conviction, but still show up on criminal background checks. I am trying to find out if I can get these charges expunged or sealed now or if I have to wait 5-10 like you do for convictions.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Mr. Knowitall]

A nice summary of your state's expungement laws is provided here.

The statutes speak of convictions; I don't see language that explicitly rules out the issue of an expungement following dismissal, but I can't promise how a court will treat the issue.