CALIFORNIA EXPUNGEMENT
CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNGEMENT
FELONY EXPUNGEMENT

An Expungement Dismisses Convictions from your Criminal Record

While a record expungement doesn’t erase convictions, it will dismiss your conviction and can help you clear your name in public records and start a new life. It’s extremely important because a criminal record can have serious consequences and can keep you from:

Passing a background check Renting or buying a home Getting a decent job Qualifying for bank and student loans Obtaining professional licenses or teaching credentials Voting Becoming a U.S. citizen

Once your record is expunged, you can enjoy the rights of every law-abiding citizen.

You’ll be free to apply for credit or a job, run for office, and apply for a State license, You’ll be more likely to obtain a professional license once the authorities see that you have been “pardoned” You can lawfully answer 'no' to the question, "Have you been convicted of a crime?" on most forms and with most employers (except if you plan to become a peace officer, run for public office, apply for a professional State license ,or work for the California Lottery commission) You can feel confident without worrying that someone will 'discover' your criminal background

WHAT IS AN EXPUNGEMENT?
An expungement is a legal process by which a conviction (Guilty Plea, No Contest Plea or a finding of guilt by a judge or jury after a trial) in a criminal case is set aside and the case is dismissed. In California an expungement refers to the dismissal of the conviction ONLY; the arrest, prosecution and conviction records remain in the file and there is a notation in the file that the conviction is dismissed. An expungement is not a sealing or destruction of your criminal records as some people believe.

CALIFORNIA EXPUNGEMENT LAW
According to the California Expungement Law, Section 1203.4, your criminal record can be expunged of eligible felony and misdemeanor convictions.

You are eligible for a dismissal of your misdemeanor or felony conviction if:

You were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony conviction and given probation (summary or formal probation), a fine, county jail time (or no jail) and/or no sentence to state prison (not even a “paper commitment” to state prison), You were not convicted of a serious sex offense (Penal Code Sections 286(c), 288, 288a(c), 288.5, 289(j), or 261.5), You were not convicted of Vehicle Section 42001(b) which includes sections 2800, 2801 and 2803, You successfully completed all the terms (including fines, classes, restitution) of your probation for the entire time (no violations of probations and no new arrests during your probationary period, You were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and not given probation and it has been at least one year since the date of conviction, You are not currently charged with, or on probation for, another offense.

FELONY EXPUNGEMENT
In California a felony can be expunged as long as you successfully completed all the terms of your probation and you were not sent to state prison. Although successful completion of your probation is a requirement for your expungement, the law provides courts the discretion to expunge your felony conviction when probation was violated. How serious the violation is will determine if the conviction is expunged. If you believe you violated your probation you should consult with one of our experienced California expungement attorneys to evaluate your case.

If your felony conviction was a wobbler (a charge that can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony) then we may be able to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor first and then proceed to expunge it. An expunged misdemeanor is better than an expunged felony in that you preserve certain rights and benefits that can be denied to a convicted felon.

MISDEMEANOR EXPUNGEMENT
California law allows you to have your misdemeanor conviction expunged upon successful completion of your probation as long as you are not currently charged with a new criminal offense. The law also provides the courts discretion to expunge convictions in cases where probation was violated. Call our office and speak to one of our experienced California expungement attorneys to discuss the specific facts of your case.

Misdemeanor convictions are not cleared off your criminal record after a certain period of time. It is your responsibility to petition the court to have your conviction dismissed. The entire process takes approximately 2 to 4 months to complete.

DRUG CHARGES AND EXPUNGEMENT
If you were referred to a “Diversion” Program such as Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) or Proposition 36 and you successfully completed all the drug program requirements, your record should already be changed to show the dismissal. If, however, you did not complete the requirements and/or violated probation you may have the conviction on your record.

If you were convicted of possession of marijuana for personal use then you are not required to get a dismissal or expungement for this offense. California Law states that all possession for marijuana use convictions are automatically erased from your record after two years. Note: This is only for personal use and does not apply to cultivation, sales, or transportation cases.

HIRE A DEDICATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TO WIN YOUR CASE
Every case is different. If you need help expunging your criminal record, you should consult an experienced California Expungement attorney, such as Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates. Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez will evaluate your case, explain the expungement process and help you protect your future. Located in Los Angeles, our firm has the knowledge and legal expertise to get your criminal record expunged in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County.

We know Los Angeles-area courts, judges, prosecutors and expungement procedures, and we’ll help you by:

Obtaining all relevant court records if necessary Preparing all the necessary legal paperwork, Filing the Petition in the relevant court, and notifying the prosecutor’s office Attending the hearing regarding your expungement Obtaining the expungement order signed by the judge

Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates now for a free consultation
(California Expungements ONLY)