If you have a criminal record, you have likely experienced the frustration and disappointment of being denied employment, housing, loans, or professional licensing. Being convicted of a crime should not make you a criminal for life. If you would like to put an end to the consequences caused by your criminal record, contact a Costa Mesa expungement lawyer today.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry could assist you in having your conviction set aside, so you can move on with your life. The expungement process can be stressful and lengthy, but our attorneys could make the process faster, easier, and less stressful.
Consequences of a Criminal Record
Having a criminal record can have a dramatic impact on your way of life. As such, there are several long-term consequences that may result from being convicted of a crime. Some of these include:
- A tarnished reputation
- Loss of or difficulty finding employment
- Loss of or difficulty finding housing
- Child custody issues
- Loss of your right to vote
- Loss of your right to carry a firearm
- Immigration status issues
- Revocation of your professional licenses
- Higher auto insurance premiums
- Denial of loans or financial aid
Because of the severe long-term consequences that a criminal record could have, it is best to seek to have your record expunged to minimize your penalties. Our experienced attorneys in Costa Mesa could guide you through the expungement process and advocate on your behalf to prevent your criminal record from further impacting your future.
Benefits of Expungement
According to California Penal Code 1203.4 PC, an expungement re-opens your criminal case, dismisses or sets aside your conviction, and re-closes the case. An expungement releases you from “penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense.” If you are granted an expungement, you are legally able to deny the arrest or conviction. A potential employer or landlord cannot access the details of the arrest or conviction and cannot ask you for any further information about your expunged offences. However, there is an exception to this. If you are applying for a government job or a job that requires a security clearance, you must disclose both the conviction and expungement.
While this process has several benefits, there are some things it cannot do. An expungement does not:
- Reinstate your 2nd Amendment right (right to possess firearms)
- Stop mandatory sex offender registration
- Stop expunged convictions from increasing penalties for a subsequent conviction
- Completely remove the offense from public view
- Remove the conviction from your state and FBI criminal record
A knowledgeable lawyer in Costa Mesa could explain the potential benefits expungement may have in your case.
Am I Eligible for an Expungement?
You are typically eligible to have your record expunged if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You were previously convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
- You were not convicted of sex crimes involving children.
- You are not currently facing criminal charges.
- You are not currently serving time.
- You did not serve time in a state prison.
- You were not charged or convicted in a federal court.
- You completed your sentence.
- You completed your probation or obtained an early termination of probation.
Convictions under some penal codes may affect your eligibility. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to get your record expunged, it is best to consult one of our attorneys in Costa Mesa.
Contact a Costa Mesa Expungement Attorney Today
The expungement process can be both challenging and lengthy. Having the legal counsel of our Costa Mesa expungement lawyers at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry could make the process easier, faster, and less stressful.
Please contact our office today for a free consultation. Our highly-regarded legal team knows how this process is handled locally. We could advocate skillfully on your behalf and help persuade the judge to grant your motion. Our dedicated team could help you put your criminal convictions behind you and put you on the path toward a bright future.