“Expungement” is a term that refers to the process of clearing a criminal record. During this process, you or your attorney requests the court to re-open your case, withdraw the guilty plea or verdict, dismiss the charges, and close the case. Although the case record will still exist, there will no longer be a plea or conviction. Instead, it will show the case was dismissed.
If you wish to clear your criminal record, we recommend speaking with an experienced Murrieta expungement lawyer. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of combined experience helping clients clear their convictions. Our experience, resources, and professional relationships allow us to effectively advocate to have your petition granted.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
If you have a criminal record, you likely understand how much a conviction affects your life. It limits your opportunities and affects your personal and professional relationships. The far-reaching consequences of a criminal conviction include:
- Job opportunity limitations
- Rental and housing limitations
- The revocation of professional licenses
- The loss of your right to vote or possess firearms
- A negative impact on your visitation rights and child custody
- Higher insurance premiums
- Immigration status issues
Eligibility for an Expungement
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony charge in California, and did not serve time in state prison, you are typically able to have your criminal record expunged. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You do not have any pending criminal charges.
- You are not currently serving a sentence.
- You are not currently on probation.
- It has been a year or more since the conviction.
- You were not convicted in a Federal court.
- You did not serve time in state prison.
- You fulfilled all of the terms of your probation.
- You paid all court-ordered fines.
A skilled attorney in Murrieta could determine if our criminal conviction is eligible for expungement.
Reducing a Felony Conviction to a Misdemeanor
In California, it is possible to have certain felony convictions reduced to misdemeanors. This normally goes hand in hand with an expungement. California Penal Code 17b PC allows a felony conviction to be reduced to a misdemeanor if the original charge was a “wobbler,” meaning it could have been charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Having your felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor provides several key benefits. Your right to vote can be reinstated, you can serve on a jury, and you may be once again able to own and possess firearms. A felony reduction can allow you to obtain and maintain professional licenses, and you can legally say you have not been convicted of a felony. A lawyer in Murrieta could determine if felony reduction is an option for you or if expungement may be more suitable.
Consult with an Experienced Murrieta Expungement Attorney
If you would like to put an end to the harsh, life-altering consequences of a criminal record, consult with an experienced Murrieta expungement lawyer today. At the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry, we believe that being convicted of a crime should not make you a criminal for life. If you successfully fulfilled the terms of your sentence, you should be able to put the conviction behind you and move on. Contact our office for a free consultation. We could further discuss the benefits and limitations of an expungement, explain the process, and determine your eligibility.