Expungements

Orange County Criminal Law Attorney

Whenever someone pleads guilty, pleads no contest, or is convicted of a crime by a judge or jury, the conviction appears on the person's "criminal record."  A "criminal record" generally documents the defendant's prior arrests, convictions, and case dismissals.  Often, this is a compilation of information that various government agencies (California Department of Justice or the FBI) might have on the defendant.

Impact of Criminal Conviction Record

The record of conviction—misdemeanor or felony—can potentially have significant life-altering effects, including:

• Difficulty finding a job: In most circumstances employers are legally authorized to ask applicants if they have had any prior convictions.
• Difficulty obtaining a professional license: To obtain certain professional licenses, such as a medical license, applicants must typically disclose any prior convictions on record.
• Difficulty obtaining certain government jobs: A person may not be eligible to become a police officer or work with other governmental agencies.
• Effect on voting: People with certain convictions, such as felony convictions resulting in state prison or parole, are prohibited from voting.

Expungement

Fortunately, depending on whether certain requirements are met, some individuals may have their criminal convictions expunged.  "Expungement" is a legal process that allows people to request the court to have certain criminal convictions sealed or dismissed.  We represent clients in a wide variety of matters concerning expungement, including:

• Misdemeanor conviction expungements
• Felony conviction reduction and expungements
• Sealing Arrest and Juvenile records
• Early termination of probation
• Petition for Factual Innocence
• Certificate of Rehabilitation

However, typically, when the court expunges a criminal conviction, this does not mean that your conviction is "erased" from your criminal record.  Rather, your criminal record will show that the conviction was "dismissed."  Additionally, in certain situations, such as when applying for government employment or government licenses, you still will have to disclose that you were convicted of a crime but that the conviction was dismissed. 

Criminal law attorney in Orange County

There are several advantages to hiring an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer can help you:

• Determine whether you are eligible for expungement depending on your circumstances, the case, and other legal requirements.
• Gather the necessary information regarding your convictions, including case numbers and case outcomes.
• Draft and file a motion and petition for expungement on your behalf.
• Advocate on your behalf to the court at the expungement hearing.

California laws, procedures, and requirements regarding expungements are complex, and experienced criminal law attorneys in Orange County can safeguard your interests. Contact Cummins & White, LLP by email or call us at (888) 339-4127 for a free initial consultation.