The California expungement process is multifaceted and complicated. California expungement attorneys may help individuals navigate and understand expungement law and advise individuals through various legal processes. If you’re an individual attempting to navigate expungement limitations, expungement eligibility, California Expungement Form completion, next steps in the expungement process, or any other legal matters related to expungement, a California expungement attorney can help.

Why Choose Her Lawyer?

Her Lawyer connects individuals in need of legal help with qualified attorneys based on their location, legal matter, and preferences. We can connect you with the right expungement lawyer in California, including:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Fresno

Who may expunge their record in California?

In California, an individual is eligible to expunge or clear their record if they:

• Successfully completed their probation,
• Are not currently charged with a criminal offense,
• Are not currently on probation for a criminal offense, and
• Are not currently serving a sentence for a criminal offense.

California state law outlaws certain offenses from expungement including:

• Crimes where individuals served their sentence at state prison unless otherwise deemed eligible,
• Sodomy with a child,
• Lewd acts with a child,
• Oral copulation with a child,
• Statutory rape, and
• Various other serious sexual offenses against children.

A California expungement attorney may determine an individual’s expungement eligibility.

What are the benefits of expungement in California?

In California, an expunged record may provide various benefits including:

• An official court record denoting the case’s dismissal,
• Official evidence of rehabilitation,
• Eligibility for federal student loans,
• Allowing individuals to answer on most job applications they do not have a conviction record, and
• Preventing use of the conviction to impeach the individual if they testify as a witness unless the courts try the individual for a subsequent offense.

What are the limitations of expungement in California?

In California, expungement has significant limitations.

An expunged conviction will not:

• Remove the conviction from the individual’s “rap sheet,”
• Reinstate the individual’s right to possess firearms if applicable,
• Modify the individual’s sex offender status,
• Seal the conviction from public access,
• Prevent the use of the conviction as a “prior,”
• Prevent the use of the conviction for impeachment on a subsequent conviction,
• Prevent consideration of the individual’s conviction for refusal or revocation of government licenses and permits including real estate sales licenses, teaching credentials, bus drivers licenses, security guard certificates, or
• Prevent the use of the conviction for ICE’s consideration for removal or exclusionary purposes.

What are the steps to expunge a record in California?

In California, an individual seeking to expunge a criminal record must:

1. Hire a California expungement attorney,
2. Complete all court required and attorney suggested forms and documents,
3. File for expungement with the appropriate county court,
4. Prepare for the upcoming expungement hearing, and
5. Refile the petition for expungement after six months if necessary.

What job do applications require the applicant to disclose previous convictions?

In California, an individual must disclose previous convictions, regardless of expungement, for any:

• Government job application,
• Job application requiring a government-issued license, certificate, permit, or
• Job application involving a security clearance.

What is the filing fee for expungement in California?

In California, individuals must file their appeal for expungement through the county where they reside. Counties may have different requirements and filing fees. Further, the filing fee may vary with a misdemeanor versus felony expungement. California state law requires all counties to provide financial assistance for any individual who cannot afford to pay the required expungement filing fee.

Is expungement the same as sealing and destroying a record?

No, expungement is not the same as sealing and destroying a record. Expunging a record does not remove it from the public record. Sealing and destroying a record is a different legal process.

How Can a California Expungement Attorney Help Me?

A California expungement attorney may assist individuals in all aspects of expungement law. California expungement attorneys can navigate their clients through legal inquiries regarding expungement eligibility, California Expungement Form completion, next steps in the expungement process, and all other legal matters related to expungement. If necessary, expungement attorneys in California may also provide legal counsel through civil proceedings to ensure a desirable and appropriate outcome.

Free Consultation With a California Expungement Attorney

If you’re an individual attempting to navigate the expungement process in California and need a lawyer, get your free consultation with one of our California expungement attorneys today! We’re here to help 24/7.