Repairing Reputation After Philadelphia Criminal Cases

So, You Got Arrested in Philly? Here’s How to Repair Your Reputation

Getting arrested is no fun. And in a city like Philadelphia, word travels fast. Before you know it, your mugshot is circulating on social media, and everyone is gossiping about what happened. Even if the charges get dropped or you’re found not guilty, the damage to your reputation can linger.

But don’t despair! With some effort, you can rebuild trust and your good name. This article shares tips on repairing your reputation after criminal allegations in Philly.

Take Responsibility

The first step is owning up to your actions. I know, it’s uncomfortable admitting you screwed up. But trying to deny or downplay what happened will only make things worse.

People respect honesty. So be upfront about the poor choices you made. Apologize sincerely to anyone hurt by your behavior. And commit to making things right through community service or other amends.

Taking responsibility shows maturity and accountability. It helps convince folks you’re serious about changing.

Get Your Record Cleared

If the charges against you got dismissed or you were acquitted, petition the court to expunge your arrest record. Expungement removes the arrest from your criminal history.

For summary offenses, you can file for expungement yourself without a lawyer. But for misdemeanors or felonies, it’s best to have an attorney handle it. They know how to gather records and fill out the petition properly.

Clearing your record makes it easier to move on. Things like background checks for jobs or apartments won’t turn up the arrest.

Do Good Deeds

Volunteering in the community helps demonstrate you’ve turned over a new leaf. Pick a cause that matters to you – maybe something related to the offense, like:

• Tutoring kids if your case involved drugs or alcohol
• Working at an animal shelter if it was a cruelty charge
• Helping the homeless if you got busted for theft or burglary

Giving back signals you want to contribute positively now. It also connects you with folks who can vouch for your character.

Network Selectively

Be careful who you associate with post-arrest. Hanging around shady characters or bad influences undermines your rehab efforts.

Instead, surround yourself with positive people. Seek out mentors and groups focused on self-improvement like counseling, 12-step programs, or church.

Building constructive connections makes it easier to stay on the straight and narrow. You benefit from healthy support systems.

Monitor Your Online Presence

Google yourself to see what turns up about your arrest. Try removing unflattering social media posts or photos tying you to criminal behavior.

You could also consider writing a blog or personal statement explaining the circumstances, taking responsibility, and discussing lessons learned. SEO optimize it to outrank less favorable search results.

Carefully managing your web presence limits what people can dig up about your past. It shows personal growth.

Be Patient

Rebuilding trust and your reputation takes time after a criminal case. Some folks might never fully get over what happened. But if you consistently demonstrate changed behavior, most will eventually come around.

Don’t get discouraged by initial wariness or skepticism. Making things right is a marathon, not a sprint. Persist in showing you’re dependable now through your actions.

Talk to a Lawyer

If you got arrested in Philadelphia, consult with a criminal defense attorney like Barry F. Baseman or William J. Brennan. They can advise if programs like ARD or diversionary probation might help expunge the offense. Or at minimum, negotiate reduced penalties.

Dealing with criminal charges is stressful. But people do recover and move forward. With concerted effort and the right legal help, you can repair your reputation too. This guide outlined key strategies any Philly resident can use.

The most important thing is learning from the experience. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. Going forward, make choices consistent with the honorable person you strive to be.

If you found these tips on fixing your reputation helpful, share this article with anyone who got jammed up with the law in Philadelphia. They’ll appreciate the reassurance it’s possible to restore their good name.