Cleaning up your criminal record is not only possible but is essential for a bright future. An expungement could help you get a new lease on life. It could prevent your criminal conviction from further affecting your personal and professional reputations, and your ability to obtain gainful employment and quality housing.
Our dedicated Los Angeles expungement lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Henry believe that being convicted of a crime should not make you a criminal for life. That is why our defense attorneys are committed to advocating tirelessly on your behalf to have your criminal conviction dismissed. Take the first step toward putting the past behind you and contact our offices today for a free consultation.
Who Qualifies for an Expungement?
It is important to note that an expungement does not completely erase your criminal record. However, under California Penal Code 1203.4 PC, you can petition the court to have your criminal conviction dismissed. This is important because once a conviction is set aside by the court, the conviction no longer has to be disclosed in most cases. Additionally, when the court grants an expungement, these individuals can legally answer “no” when asked if they have ever been convicted of a crime. The majority of misdemeanors and some felonies qualify for an expungement. You are typically able to have your conviction expunged if:
- You completed your sentence and its requirements.
- You did not serve time in state prison.
- You were not charged or convicted in a Federal court.
- You are not currently facing charges, serving a sentence, or on probation.
- It has been a year or more since you were convicted of the crime.
An attorney in Los Angeles could determine if you are eligible to petition for expungement.
Early Termination of Probation
Your status as a probationer can limit you significantly. Fortunately, California Penal Code 1203.3 PC allows you to ask the court for an early termination of probation. Under this statute, the judge has the discretion to terminate your probation ahead of schedule. In these situations, the court may also expunge your conviction and reduce your felony to a misdemeanor if the original crime was a “wobbler.” Wobblers are felonies that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Before terminating your probation early, the judge may want to see that you successfully completed the terms of your probation and that there are circumstances that justify the early termination. Ending your probation ahead of schedule can prevent difficulty in securing gainful employment and challenges in advancing at your current job. It also removes restrictions on necessary travel.
Reduction of a Felony to a Misdemeanor
If you have a felony conviction on your record, you likely know the challenges and limitations it causes. Fortunately, many felony convictions can be reduced to a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 17b PC. If the original offense you were accused of was a wobbler, meaning it could have been charged as a misdemeanor or felony, you are typically eligible for a charge reduction. This can greatly benefit you by:
- Making it easier to obtain employment and housing.
- Restoring your gun rights
- Improving your ability to obtain loans
- Allowing you to obtain professional licenses
A Los Angeles lawyer could determine if this is an option for an individual who is seeking an expungement of their criminal record.
Speak with an Experienced Los Angeles Expungement Attorney
Coping with the effects of a criminal conviction can be frustrating and stressful. If you have a criminal record that is limiting your abilities, consult with an experienced Los Angeles expungement lawyer today.
Our seasoned attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have over 40 years of combined experience helping our clients have their criminal convictions dismissed and set aside. Contact our offices today for a free consultation and let us begin advocating on your behalf to have your record expunged, helping you do away with the extensive limitation of your criminal conviction.