Even if the criminal case concerned a minor article, such as intentional infliction of minor bodily harm, battery or theft, the criminal record remains in a person's history for many years. It affects employment, the ability to travel abroad, obtaining licences and many other areas of life. Attorney Yuriy Arutyunov helps residents of Moscow and the Moscow Region fully understand their situation and have their criminal record expunged lawfully in the shortest possible time.
On this page we will examine in detail what restrictions a criminal record under Articles 115, 116 and 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation creates, how long it lasts and how it can be expunged early with professional legal support.
What a criminal record is and why even a “minor” article creates serious problems
A criminal record is a legal status that arises after a court delivers a guilty verdict and remains until it is spent or expunged. Under Articles 115 (intentional infliction of minor bodily harm), 116 (battery) and 158 (theft) of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the criminal record falls into the category of offences of minor or moderate gravity. Nevertheless, the consequences in everyday life can be very tangible.
Many people believe that once the sentence has been served or the fine paid, all the problems are over. In practice, information about the criminal record enters the databases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and remains available to employers, border guards, banks and state authorities. This leads to refusals of employment, especially in law enforcement agencies, banks, educational institutions and positions involving financial responsibility.
Real restrictions for a person with a criminal record
A criminal record under Article 158 of the Criminal Code (theft) often closes off access to work in trade, logistics, security and finance. Articles 115 and 116 of the Criminal Code may become an obstacle to employment in institutions where work with people or children is required. In addition, persons with a criminal record face difficulties in obtaining credit, arranging guardianship, adopting and even obtaining certain types of licences.
Travelling abroad also becomes a problem. Many countries require a certificate of no criminal record, and a record under a criminal article may lead to a visa refusal.
Consequences of a criminal record under Article 115 of the Criminal Code
Article 115 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation provides for liability for intentional infliction of minor bodily harm. Even with a suspended sentence, the criminal record remains in effect for a certain period. A person may face restrictions in choosing a profession related to medicine, education or security. Employers carrying out background checks often reject such candidates without giving reasons.
Specifics of a criminal record under Article 116 of the Criminal Code
Battery is an article that is often encountered in domestic conflicts. A criminal record here also entails restrictions on employment in law enforcement and security organisations, as well as difficulties in obtaining a firearms permit. In family disputes, such a record may adversely affect the court's decision on where the children are to live.
Consequences of a criminal record under Article 158 of the Criminal Code
Theft is one of the most common crimes of minor gravity. A criminal record under this article has a particularly strong impact on trade, warehouse logistics and work with valuables. Banks may refuse credit, and state authorities may refuse admission to certain types of activity.
Periods after which a criminal record under Articles 115, 116 and 158 of the Criminal Code is spent
Under Article 86 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, a criminal record is automatically spent after a certain period following completion of the sentence:
- For crimes of minor gravity (Articles 115, 116, 158 Part 1): 3 years;
- For crimes of moderate gravity (Article 158 Part 2 and above): 6 years.
However, this period only begins to run after the sentence has been fully served: payment of the fine, the end of the probation period in the case of a suspended sentence, or release from a place of imprisonment. If a person violates the rules, the periods may be extended.
Many people do not wait for the record to be spent automatically and apply to court for early expungement of the criminal record. This makes it possible to restore full civil rights more quickly.
How to have a criminal record expunged early in Moscow: the procedure
Early expungement of a criminal record is possible if several conditions are met: the person must have behaved impeccably after serving the sentence, compensated for the harm caused and proved their rehabilitation. The procedure goes through the district court at the place of residence.
Attorney Yuriy Arutyunov takes on the preparation of a complete set of documents, the collection of positive character references, interaction with the authorities and representation in court. This significantly increases the chances of a positive decision.
Documents required for expungement of a criminal record
- A copy of the court's verdict;
- A certificate of completion of the sentence or of execution of the verdict;
- Character references from the place of work, study or residence;
- Documents confirming compensation for the damage;
- Certificates from the drug addiction and psychoneurological clinics;
- An application to the court.
Each document must be properly drawn up. The slightest error or an incomplete set may lead to a refusal to accept the application.
The attorney's role in the early expungement of a criminal record
A professional criminal defence attorney in Moscow not only prepares the documents but also builds a strong legal position. Yuriy Arutyunov has extensive experience in such cases and knows which arguments the court takes into account first. The attorney will help gather evidence of rehabilitation, prepare a speech for the court hearing and ensure compliance with all procedural rules.
An attorney's services for expungement of a criminal record in Moscow
By turning to attorney Arutyunov, you receive comprehensive legal assistance:
- Consultation on the prospects of expunging the criminal record;
- Analysis of the criminal case materials;
- Preparation and filing of the application to the court;
- Representation at court hearings;
- Appeal against a refusal to expunge the criminal record, if necessary.
The cost of an attorney's services for expungement of a criminal record depends on the complexity of the case and the scope of work. We always discuss terms transparently and offer a convenient payment schedule.
Why you should act now
The sooner you start the procedure, the sooner you will be able to restore your rights. A criminal record continues to limit opportunities even several years after the verdict. Timely help from a good criminal defence attorney makes it possible to shorten this period and minimise the negative consequences.
Typical mistakes when seeking expungement of a criminal record on your own
People often try to prepare the documents themselves but make mistakes: they give incorrect details, fail to collect all the necessary character references or omit important evidence of rehabilitation. As a result, the court refuses, and everything has to be started again. A professional attorney helps avoid such situations and saves time and stress.
Practice of expunging criminal records in Moscow
In Moscow court practice, for articles of minor gravity, positive decisions on early expungement of a criminal record are made fairly often where there is a good evidential basis. Attorney Yuriy Arutyunov has successfully handled many such cases and helped clients have their criminal record expunged well before the period established by law.
We work throughout Moscow and are ready to come for a consultation at a time convenient for you. The attorney is available 24 hours a day for urgent cases.
Related attorney services for individuals
In addition to expungement of criminal records, attorney Arutyunov provides assistance in other criminal cases. You can seek a defence under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 112 of the Criminal Code, in theft cases under Article 158 of the Criminal Code and in many other areas.
How to book a consultation with an attorney
To receive qualified assistance with expungement of a criminal record or any other criminal, civil or family matters, call or submit a request on the website. The first consultation will make it possible to assess the prospects of your case and plan further action.
Attorney Yuriy Arutyunov means reliable legal protection and real help in difficult life situations. Do not put off resolving an important matter: call today and begin the path to restoring your rights.