If you have been convicted of a crime, you likely understand how a criminal record can negatively impact your life. It limits employment and housing opportunities, takes away your gun and voting rights, and affects your reputation. Fortunately, many criminal convictions can be expunged. If you want to stop your criminal record from impacting your life any further, contact a Laguna Beach expungement lawyer right away.
Our criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry understand how a conviction can hold you back. That is why we are dedicated to guiding you through the expungement process and advocating skillfully on your behalf.
What is an Expungement?
An expungement allows someone to have their guilty plea or verdict withdrawn, their conviction set aside, and their case dismissed. Once the record is expunged, this person can truthfully answer “No” when asked if they have ever been convicted of a crime. It is important to note that an expungement does not completely erase the conviction, but does have several significant benefits.
Additionally, an expungement will not remove the requirement by the court to register as a sex offender. If the offense was a “priorable” offense, the expunged conviction can still be taken into consideration and increase an individual’s penalties. Lastly, a person with a criminal record will not be able to own or possess a firearm.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Criminal convictions carry many long-term consequences that can significantly impact your life. Some of those consequences include:
- A tarnished reputation
- Loss of or difficulty finding employment or housing
- Denial of financial aid or loans
- Custody issues
- Immigration issues
- Loss of your right to vote or carry a firearm
- Loss of professional licenses
- Higher auto insurance premiums
To prevent your conviction from further impacting your life, you may choose to petition the court for an expungement. Our seasoned attorneys in Laguna Beach could guide you through this process and fight skillfully to get you the result you need.
How Long Does an Expungement Take?
The expungement process takes approximately 90 to 120 days. However, certain courts, as well as cases older than 10 years might take longer. The Harbor Justice Center is one of the more efficient courthouses, with expungements typically only taking about six to eight weeks. Several factors can affect the length of this process, including how old the conviction is, whether or not the case is in the courthouse’s current database, if the case was a felony or misdemeanor, and whether or not the case file is in an off-site storage facility. A lawyer in Laguna Beach could help make sure that the expungement process moves as efficiently as possible.
Who is Eligible for an Expungement?
If you have been convicted of a crime, you are typically eligible to have the conviction expunged if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You were convicted in State Court, not Federal Court.
- You did not serve time in state prison.
- You satisfied all of the terms of your sentence.
- You completed your probation.
- It has been one year past the date of conviction.
- You are not currently charged with a crime.
- You are not on probation for another crime.
- You are not currently serving time for another crime.
If you have questions regarding your expungement eligibility, it is best to discuss the matter with one of our skilled Laguna Beach attorneys.
Consult with a Laguna Beach Expungement Attorney
Having your criminal record expunged can open the doors that were shut by your conviction. If you want to prevent your record from causing further problems, consult with a Laguna Beach expungement lawyer today.
Our skilled legal team at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry has handled hundreds of record expungements with great success. Our years of experience have provided us with the knowledge and skills needed to get you the result you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.