In California, convictions do not disappear automatically from your record after a certain amount of time. Instead, criminal convictions can be on your record for a lifetime. If you want to put your criminal record behind you, you may choose to file a motion to expunge your record.

To ensure your criminal conviction does not cause future limitations, it is best to contact an experienced Anaheim expungement lawyer. Our legal team at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry has decades of experience helping clients get their criminal record expunged. Our criminal defense attorneys believe being convicted of a crime should not make you a criminal for life. We could fight tirelessly to put the past behind you and give you a second chance.

What is an Expungement?

An expungement releases you from “penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense.” If you are granted the expungement, you are legally able to deny an arrest or conviction. A potential employer or landlord is unable to access arrests or charges when they perform a background check, and they may not ask you for any information about the arrests or charges.

It is important to note there is an exception to this. If you apply for a government job or one requiring security clearance, you must disclose the conviction and the expungement. Although this process has several benefits, there are some things it does not do. Getting your record expunged does not:

  • Reinstate your right to possess firearms
  • Prevent the required sex offender registration
  • Prevent the expunged conviction from increasing penalties for a subsequent offense
  • Remove the offense from public view
  • Remove the conviction from California and FBI criminal history records

An experienced attorney in Anaheim could explain how expungement may be beneficial for your situation.

The Impact of a Criminal Record in Anaheim

A criminal record has long-lasting negative effects. Some of the consequences include:

  • Loss of or difficulty obtaining employment
  • Loss of or difficulty obtaining housing
  • Little to no career advancement
  • Issues involving child custody
  • Issues involving your immigration status
  • Loss of voting rights
  • Loss of your right to carry a firearm
  • A tarnished reputation
  • Revocation of your professional licenses
  • Higher auto insurance premiums
  • Denial of student loans or financial aid

As such, convictions on your record cause serious long-term consequences. If you have a criminal record, it is best if you seek to have your records expunged to minimize these consequences. Our lawyers in Anaheim could guide you through the expungement process and help keep your criminal record from further impacting your future.

Am I Eligible for an Expungement in Anaheim?

You are typically eligible for an expungement if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You were previously convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
  • You are not facing criminal charges currently
  • You did not serve time in a California state prison
  • You are not serving time currently for a criminal offense
  • You completed your probation or obtained an early termination of probation
  • You completed your sentence and any additional requirements
  • You were not charged or convicted in a federal court

You are most likely not eligible if you were charged and convicted in a federal court, sentenced to time in state prison, have charges pending, or were convicted of sex crimes involving children.

DUI Expungement

DUI convictions are one of the most commonly expunged convictions in this area. A DUI can have a long-lasting impact on your personal and professional reputation. As such, you may be eligible for an expungement if you completed the terms of your probation, and you did not serve time in state prison.

Expungement cases involving a DUI conviction have a higher legal standard than other types of crimes. In these situations, it is essential to have an attorney in Anaheim who has extensive experience with the expungement process. Having skilled and experienced legal representation dramatically increases your chances of having your record expunged.

Contact an Anaheim Expungement Attorney

Getting a criminal conviction expunged is a lengthy and challenging process. A skilled Anaheim expungement lawyer could make the process faster, easier, and less stressful. We could find any loopholes or relevant laws that could increase your chances of being granted an expungement. Additionally, we could package all of the motions into one to speed up the process.

Our highly-regarded lawyers have in-depth knowledge of how this process is handled locally. We could provide a compelling argument to persuade the judge to grant your expungement. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping you put your past behind you and on the path to a bright future. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.

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