Whether a Southern California jury convicted you of multiple white collar felony counts several years ago, you want to put behind a mistake from your past, you want to seal a juvenile criminal record or you simply want a clean record, a competent Southern California defense attorney can assist. A misdemeanor, felony or juvenile record will remain on your record long after you have completed the terms of probation. To remove a conviction from your record you must petition the court for an expungement.
WHAT IS AN EXPUNGEMENT?
Expungement is the legal process by which a conviction, a plea of guilty or no contest is dismissed from your record. Once a conviction is expunged an individual does not have to disclose the conviction to an employer or in other similar situations. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer will know the specifics on obtaining an expungement for your conviction.
WHY DO I WANT TO GET AN EXPUNGEMENT?
Today’s job market is full of tough competition. An individual with a criminal record will probably be passed over for someone who does not have a conviction on their record. Having a criminal record can affect your chances or employment, getting approved for a lease, student loans and subsidized housing.
Once your criminal conviction has been expunged, you can legally answer no to the question of whether you have been convicted of that crime. The exceptions to this rule are 1) on an application for a peace officer or public office, 2) on an application for a state license, and 3) contracting with the California Lottery Commission
SEALING A JUVENILE RECORD
If you were convicted as a juvenile and were not sent to the California Youth Authority a petition may be filed with the court to seal and destroy the conviction record.
CAN ALL CONVICTIONS BE EXPUNGED?
Not all convictions can be expunged. In California, many felony convictions can be expunged. If you were granted probation (you did not serve a state prison sentence), your conviction (with some exceptions) should be expungeable as long as you have successfully completed all the terms of probation.
Maltaise Cini a skilled and experienced Newport Beach criminal attorney knows which convictions can be expunged from your record. Call (949) 660-1389 today to discuss your expungement.