Expungement

Glendale Expungement Attorneys

Clear Your Criminal Record in Los Angeles County

Our team of Glendale expungement attorneys have extensive experience in helping people clear their criminal record. We stay updated on the latest changes in expungement laws and procedures to provide you with the best possible representation. Our deep understanding of California expungement laws ensures that we can effectively navigate the legal system on your behalf.

Consequences of a Criminal Record in California

A criminal record in California can significantly impede your life in numerous ways. The long-term consequences of a criminal conviction can be harsh. It can create obstacles in securing employment, as many employers hesitate to hire candidates with criminal histories. Additionally, it can limit housing opportunities, with landlords and property management companies frequently conducting background checks and excluding those with convictions.

Professional licensing, essential for many careers, is another area where a criminal history can be a considerable barrier. Licensing agencies also typically conduct thorough background checks as part of the licensing process. This scrutiny can result in the denial or revocation of licenses necessary to practice in fields such as healthcare, law, education, and financial services.

Furthermore, a criminal record can affect personal relationships and social standing, leading to stigmatization and isolation in the community.

During the California expungement process the defendant can petitioning the court to re-evaluate their criminal record and to dismiss or seal it from public access. This action does not erase the conviction but alters it so it does not impose a barrier when seeking employment, housing, or professional licensing.

At Weiss and Stepanian LLP, our legal team can help you seek an expungement and other post-conviction relief options. We understand the importance of these actions in turning your life around. Your future does not have to be defined by past mistakes; our firm is dedicated to helping you move forward with confidence and security.

You can reach us by email on our contact form or call (818) 619-3337 to arrange a free case review with a Glendale expungement lawyer. We also serve Burbank, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.

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Expungements in California

When seeking expungement relief in California, you are petitioning the court to set aside your guilty verdict or no-contest plea.

To qualify for expungement relief, you must:

Complete probation, meaning that you must not be serving a sentence, on probation, or charged with any offense
Have paid all fines and fees ordered by the court
Pay the fees for services related to the expungement petition

Expungement relief is not available for convictions of offenses specified in Penal Code Section 1203.4(b). This includes most felony child molestation offenses, certain sex offenses, several traffic offenses, and infractions.

If your petition is granted, you must be released from all “penalties and disabilities” resulting from the conviction.

However, several limitations can apply to the relief you can receive from an expungement:

A dismissed charge may still be used as a strike under the “Three Strikes Law.”
If your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, dismissing the charge will not change the status of the suspension or revocation.
If you have committed a sex crime that requires sex offender registration, you will still be required to register, and the conviction records will remain open to the public.

What Is the Legal Process?

The legal process for expungement involves filing a petition with the court that issued the conviction, requesting to have the conviction dismissed. This process can include reviewing your criminal record thoroughly, gathering supporting documents, and possibly a court hearing. The court will consider the petition and decide whether to grant the expungement based on statutory requirements and your post-conviction history. Our Glendale expungement lawyers will help you through every step of the process.

To arrange a free expungement case review, reach us by email on our contact form or call (818) 619-3337 for an expungement lawyer near you. We also serve Burbank, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.

Other Post-Conviction Relief Actions

Governors’ Pardons

Two types of Governor’s pardons are available: a “direct” pardon and a pardon based on a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Either of these restores all the rights, privileges, and franchises of which the person was deprived as a consequence of their conviction.

Direct pardons are requests made directly to the Governor. When seeking a direct pardon, 10 days’ notice must be given to the county’s district attorney where you were convicted.

Certificates of Rehabilitation, on the other hand, are first sought from the trial court. If the trial court issues the Certificate, it is recommended that the Governor grant a pardon. You may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if you have been convicted of a felony and have been discharged from custody after the completion of the term to which you were sentenced.

Specific individuals are not eligible for these Certificates, including life parolees, individuals sentenced to death, individuals convicted of certain sex offenses (except under extraordinary circumstances), and individuals serving in the army. However, if you are required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, you may be able to obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation.

Factual Innocence Motions

If you were wrongfully arrested or improperly accused of a criminal offense you did not commit, you may petition the court to seal and destroy your arrest record.

Your eligibility to petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code Section 851.8 arises in situations where:

You were arrested in California, but no formal charges were ever filed against you
You were arrested, and charges were filed but later dismissed
Your case went to trial, and a jury acquitted you

If the Court grants your motion, your arrest record will be sealed for three years and destroyed. It is as if the arrest never occurred.

California Expungement FAQ

How long does the expungement process take?

The expungement process can vary in length, typically taking several months from start to finish. The exact timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of your case, court schedules, and whether there are any objections to your petition.

Will expungement completely clear my record?

While expungement removes the conviction from your public record, it does not erase it entirely. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access to your expunged record. However, for most purposes, such as employment and housing applications, an expunged record does not need to be disclosed.

What is the difference between expungement and sealing a record?

Expungement typically means that a conviction is dismissed, and you are no longer required to disclose it in most situations. Sealing a record, on the other hand, means that the record is hidden from public view but still exists and can be accessed by certain entities, such as law enforcement. Our attorneys can help determine which option is best for your situation.

Can I expunge multiple convictions?

Yes, you can petition to expunge multiple convictions, but each case will be evaluated separately. Our attorneys will review your criminal history and help you understand the best approach for expunging multiple records.

What happens if my expungement petition is denied?

If your expungement petition is denied, you may have the option to refile or appeal the decision. Our attorneys will help you understand the reasons for the denial and develop a strategy to address any issues and improve your chances of success in future attempts.

Does expungement restore my gun rights?

In California, expungement does not automatically restore your gun rights. If you have lost your firearm rights due to a felony conviction, you may need to seek a separate legal process, such as a certificate of rehabilitation or a governor’s pardon, to restore those rights. Our attorneys can provide more information based on your specific circumstances.

To arrange a free case review with a expungement lawyer near you, reach us by email on our contact form or call (818) 619-3337. We also serve Burbank, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.

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How Can Weiss and Stepanian LLP Assist?

If you have been improperly accused of something you did not do or need assistance with expungement, it is vital to act promptly. Your arrest record will appear in background checks done by potential employers and others, harming life opportunities.

Our skilled legal team is dedicated to guiding clients through post-conviction processes with diligence and compassion.

Our services include:

Comprehensive review: We conduct a detailed review of your criminal record to determine your eligibility for expungement under current California laws.
Filing the petition: Our attorneys prepare and file all necessary documents with the appropriate court, ensuring that every aspect of your case is properly presented.
Representation: Should your case require a hearing, our firm will provide experienced legal representation, advocating on your behalf to highlight your rehabilitation and the benefits of granting the expungement.
Follow-up: After achieving expungement, we advise you on how this change impacts your rights and how to best represent your history when necessary.

Our team offers a path forward if you seek a second chance to redefine your life without the shadow of a past conviction. Contact us to explore how we can assist you in seeking post-conviction relief and reclaiming your future.

Talk to a Glendale expungement attorney about your case by contacting us online or at (818) 619-3337 today.

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