California Law
Expungement laws are different from state to state. The expungement law for California can be very complex and is categorized under Penal Code 1203.4. Due to the complexity of this law, it is always a good idea to hire an attorney if you are looking to file a petition of expungement with the court. Each expungement is different, which means some crimes will be easier to remove from your criminal record than others.
Also, note that the prosecuting attorney of the original case will be notified of the expungement application. This will allow them to prepare any objections against why you shouldn’t be allowed to expunge your conviction. In this case, one of our attorneys can help you. We will present the case on your behalf to increase the chances of the judge ruling in your favor.
We offer a variety of different services including:
- Conviction expungements
- Felony reductions to a misdemeanor
- Early Termination of Probation
- Purging of non-trafficking marijuana records
- Destruction and sealing of a juvenile record
- DUI case expungements
Expungement Requirements
If you have been convicted of a crime in Laguna Niguel and you completed your sentence or was granted early release from probation, you are eligible for expungement. There are a few requirements that come with expungements, including:
- You fulfilled all probation conditions
- Settled fines and restitution
- Attended any required counseling
- Finished all required community service
- You are not currently imprisoned, have other charges against you, or are on probation for another criminal offense
If you are still on probation, we can help you file for an Early Termination of Probation. As long as you have abided by the terms of probation and have a valid reason to justify the termination, this can be relatively easy to file. Valid reasons could include employment limitations or restrictions from necessary travel.
The Process
When you hire one of our attorneys, the expungement process is almost always 100% online. We will prepare your motion and deal with the court without you ever having to leave the comfort of your home. Although uncommon, if the judge requires you to attend a hearing, we will help you prepare for it so that you can confidently present your case.
Step 1: Preparation
After you hire one of our attorneys, they will prepare your motion and develop a strong case.
Step 2: File
Next, your attorney will fill out and file all required documents with a California state court. A judge will be assigned to the case and will assess your petition for expungement.
Step 3: Decision
The judge will decide if you are eligible for expungement or if there should be a hearing. If there is a hearing, we can usually attend on your behalf to professionally present the case. If not, we will help you prepare so that you can confidently present it yourself. (keep in mind that this is very rare)
Step 4: Expungement
After the motion is accepted, the court will file your expungement and remove the conviction from your record. This will erase the conviction from all standard background checks so that employers and landlords can’t see it.
Expungement Benefits
There are multiple benefits that come with a successfully expunged criminal record. These benefits include:
- Increase employment opportunities
- Higher eligibility for state professional licenses
- Honestly and legally answer “No” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime
- Better housing opportunities
- More educational opportunities
Hire An Attorney Today
If you have a conviction on your record that is weighing you down, give us a call today. Our attorneys can help expunge your criminal record so that you never have to worry about a conviction weighing you down against. Give us a call at (657) 217-2799 or take our free online expungement assessment to see what options are available to you.
