Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys
What Is An Expungement?
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys properly advise clients about expungements. There are several ways California criminal law can provide freedom from the consequences of an arrest or conviction.
Los Angeles DUI Attorneys advise clients how California drunk driving laws are limited as to what is allowed to be expunged. The California
DUI laws are clear on expungement. However, the impact of
DUI penalties can be lessened through the expungement process.
An expungement may also include relief from inaccurate or incomplete arrest records.
An expungement allows a petition to be filed with the California court requesting to withdraw a guilty, nolo contendere (no contest) plea or that a guilty verdict be set aside at any time after probation ends.
An expungement can prevent the release of arrest records from spreading outside the criminal justice system.
An expungement helps people keep business or professional licenses, get new employment or keep job opportunities, or continue personal advancement.
You may get specific relief like:
- the actual destruction of the record,
- getting voting rights back,
- relief from criminal registration statutes, or
- the right to tell others the conviction was dismissed.
Under the California Criminal Record Purge Program, the California Department of Justice voluntarily destroys criminal records after certain periods of time.
The relief offered by a release from penalties and disabilities is limited and you should consult with experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys to discuss the best option for you.
Some consequences of a conviction are not eliminated under certain forms of expungement.
The person:
(1) Cannot have the record sealed from the public;
(2) May have a prior conviction used if later prosecuted for another crime, a "Three Strikes" case or DUI case;
(3) May not own, use or possess a firearm;
(4) Must disclose the conviction in response to any direct question in a questionnaire or application for public office, for licensure by any state or local agency, or for contracting with the California State Lottery; any ban on holding public office that resulted from the conviction remains in effect;
(5) May be subject to:
(a) Disbarment;
(b) Revocation of business and professional licenses;
(c) Suspension of a medical license by the Board of Medical Examiners;
(d) Suspension of a teaching credential by the State Board of Education;
(e) Sex and Drug registration requirements;
(f) Deportation (removal); and
(g) Revocation, suspension, or limitation on driving privileges based on Vehicle Code convictions.
Whether you were put on probation, or probation was denied, or you have finished your probationary period or you are interested in what an expungement can do for you, contact the Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys with over 80 years of combined experience today.