Do not let your criminal record hold you back. You may be eligible for expungement, a process by which the court dismisses your conviction. Drawing on our over 70 years of criminal law expertise, Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP can help you with the expungement process.
What is the process of expunging my conviction?
We guide you step by step through the expungement process, including:
- Obtaining a copy of your criminal record, minute order, and other information needed for your expungement petition
- Reviewing your case and your current situation to determine whether you qualify for expungement
- Petitioning the court to reduce your felony charges to a misdemeanor if you are considering expunging a felony
- Drafting your petition and accompanying documents to persuade the court to order your conviction expunged
- Attending your court hearing, if one is necessary, to argue your case for expungement.
Is my child’s juvenile record automatically expunged?
Juvenile records are not automatically sealed by the courts. Although not accessible to the general public, the arrests and dispositions appear on your child’s juvenile criminal record and can come under scrutiny during employment backgrounds in the future. Fortunately, you can petition the court for a juvenile record seal. The records are destroyed five years from the date of sealing.
Which crimes can be expunged?
Expungement is limited to misdemeanor and felony cases in which the defendant received a sentence of county jail incarceration, probation or a fine. Felony convictions resulting in state prison sentences are ineligible. Typical cases involve:
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Some felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged if they are considered wobbler offenses.
What is the result of criminal record expungement?
Expungement does not completely erase your criminal history altogether. Your arrest remains on your record, but a new entry in your case minute order will indicate that the charges were dismissed. The conviction is no longer considered public record and should no longer appear in criminal background checks and you would cease to be required to disclose a criminal record if you were asked on a background questionnaire.
Keep in mind that you may be required to disclose the conviction in some situations, such as government job and license applications. Criminal law enforcement and other government agencies still retain access to the conviction information.
Learn about the expungement process
Consult with Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP about expunging your record by calling 888-579-4844 or contacting us online. Your initial consultation is free and we remain available to you 24/7.