Los Angeles Expungements Attorney

Helping You Clear Your Criminal Record

A criminal conviction, whether through a plea, verdict, or finding of guilt, can have dramatic effects on your life. You might be ordered to complete probation or spend time in jail or prison, and the penalties don’t end there. The conviction is put on your criminal record, which could make it hard for you to re-enter society. For instance, when you try to apply for a job, loan, or housing, the company may run a background check and see information about the offense, which could sway their final decision.

Fortunately, in California, some criminal convictions can be expunged from your record. That means the guilty verdict is cleared and the case dismissed. However, the process for obtaining an expungement can be long and complex, as you must know the laws and steps to successfully petition for this type of relief. At Law Offices of David D. Diamond, our attorney has 20 years of legal experience, understands the intricacies of getting an expungement, and can provide sound guidance throughout the process.

To get started on clearing your record, call us at (888) 860-6570.

What Is an Expungement?

Under California Penal Code 1203.4 PC, an expungement is a way for you to get criminal conviction information cleared from your record. The process involves petitioning the court to review your situation and determine whether or not your guilty plea or verdict can be set aside and your case dismissed. If your request is granted, you will be “released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense.”

Who Is Eligible for Expungement?

To successfully apply for, and be granted, an expungement, you must meet specific eligibility criteria.

You can petition for a dismissal if you:

• Were convicted of certain misdemeanors or felonies
• Were not ordered to serve time in state prison
• Completed all terms of your probation
• Paid all restitution and fines
• Are not currently facing charges for other offenses
• Are not currently in jail or on probation for another crime

Some exceptions to the eligibility requirements exist, and the court has the discretion to determine if your specific circumstances qualify for relief. Our attorney can review your situation and the criteria to petition for an expungement to help you understand your options for proceeding.

What Offenses Cannot Be Expunged?

Unfortunately, not all convictions can be cleared from your record.

The following offenses cannot be expunged:

• Failing to stop for, or comply with, a police officer’s orders
• Participating in lewd acts with a child
• Committing an act of sodomy with a minor
• Engaging in sexual conduct with a minor
• Creating, possessing, or distributing images depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct
• Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under 18 years of age

What Is the Process to Petition for an Expungement?

To request to have your criminal record cleared, you must file a petition with the court in the county where you were convicted. The form you submit must contain complete and accurate information about the offense you are seeking to have expunged. If you have multiple convictions, you must send a separate petition for each.

The information you must have on your petition includes:

• The case number of the offense
• The date of the conviction
• The code name and section of the crime
• The way the conviction came about – through a plea or a verdict

You may also need to state if you served probation, paid restitution, were ordered to serve time in state prison, and/or were released on parole. With your petition, you can also include documents, such as letters or school records, that support your request for expungement.

After the court receives your request, you may be scheduled for a hearing, during which you can present your case to a judge. At Law Offices of David D. Diamond, our team can help gather necessary paperwork and information to ensure you successfully submit a completed petition, and we can provide skilled representation at the hearing.

Ready for a Fresh Start? Call Our Firm Today.

Our lawyer knows the limitations a conviction can place on your life. If you’re looking to have your criminal record cleared in Los Angeles, we are ready to provide the legal assistance you need for this process.

Discuss your legal options with us by calling (888) 860-6570 or schedule your free consultation by completing an online contact form.