Pasadena Expungement Attorney, LA County

What Is An expungement?

Expungement is the popular term for a California penal code 1203.4 dismissal which allows certain convictions to be changed to “set aside and dismissed”. This means that while the charges are still on record, you can safely tell most employers that you have never been convicted of a crime.

In addition, thanks to a relatively new California labor law, if an employer does discriminate against you for an expunged conviction, you can even receive damages and compensation.

An expungement does not completely wipe your slate clean, however, you may still face some limited consequences when applying for specific government or law enforcement positions, as well as on firearm purchases and it can count as a prior if you are ever convicted again.

However, for the vast majority of people, an expungement will allow you to put a past mistake behind you, and move forward with your life, job, career, and family.

Am I Eligible For An Expungement?

While the exact legal requirements and procedures to get an expungement are complex and require the assistance of a qualified attorney, there are certain clear guidelines on who can even apply.

First and foremost, you must only have gone to jail or had probation time. If you went to a state prison and went through parole, chances are we will not be able to expunge your criminal record in California.

In addition, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible for an expungement:

1. You must not currently be on probation or parole for any conviction.
2. You cannot be serving a sentence of any kind.
3. You must have paid all the court fees and fines associated with the charge you are trying to get expunged.
4. You are not currently facing any other charges.

If you meet all the above conditions, there is a very good chance we will be able to clear your California criminal record with an expungement. Call us today (626 600-3437) for a consultation to find out if you are eligible to have your records expunged.

How Long Will My Expungement Take?

The length of time required for the conviction to be changed to dismissed and set aside depends on the complexity of your case and the court you are seeking the expungement from. Having an experienced expungement attorney on your side can certainly help, especially by avoiding any mistakes which you might make on your own which could result in having to start all over again.

In general, expungements in Pasadena California take three to four months, though it might be shorter or longer depending on the exact court and the details of your case.

What Are The Advantages Of Getting My California Conviction Expunged?

An expungement is your best bet for moving forward with your life after a conviction. Having a conviction on your record, even a DUI, can curtain your career prospects, prevent you from getting that dream job, and even interfere with college admissions or loan requests.

An expungement removes most of those roadblocks, by changing the records for the charge to a plea of not guilty and the conviction set aside and dismissed. This allows you to legally tell most future employers that you have not been convicted of a crime and prevents them from using this charge against you, or even looking into it more.

Finally, an expungement is the perfect way to close that chapter of your life and recover peace of mind. It represents moving forward not just in your mind and life, but in the eyes of society and the judicial system.

If you are not sure if you should seek an expungement, call and ask. Our experienced expungement attorney will be happy to answer your questions and figure out if an expungement is the right next step for you.

Seal Your Criminal Record And Protect Your Future

Having a criminal record for your entire life can cause you a lot of problems.

• It can make it exceptionally difficult for you to get a job, because any employer who does a background check before hiring will find your criminal record. Most employers won’t bother to ask you what you were charged with and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
• A permanent criminal record can make it difficult for you to obtain a home loan or apply for an apartment lease.
• It is almost impossible for you to get credit of any kind if you have been convicted of a crime.

Depending on what type of crime you were convicted of, how long it has been since you were convicted and whether or not you’ve successfully completed all of the requirements set forth by the court in your sentencing, you may be able to get your records expunged.

However, this is not something you can do on your own. To successfully get your records expunged, you need to consult with a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney.

I have had proven successes in getting my clients’ records cleared, and would like to offer you the same dedicated legal services.

You don’t have to live the rest of your life being haunted by your criminal record everywhere you go.

Call me today to set up an appointment for a consultation to talk about your charges and find out if you are eligible to have your records expunged. (626) 600-3437.