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California Expungements


Questions & Answers: California Expungements

(Last Updated: 11/10/2007)

These are general answers to frequently asked questions about expunging a criminal record in California. This is not intended to provide legal advice. Our law firm has posted this information to help you determine whether we may be able to clear up your criminal record for you. Please contact us for comprehensive individualized legal advice.

 

You can also read this FAQ just by scrolling down.

 

 

What is an expungement?

Expungement is a special procedure currently available under California law. Our law firm handles these cases all over California. An expungement results in having your conviction DISMISSED. Our law firm can handle this entire process for you, from start to finish.

In the end, we'll provide you with a court order signed by a judge, showing that the conviction has been dismissed. A copy of the court order will be placed in your official court file, sent to the Department of Justice, and becomes public record. [Back]

 

Do I qualify for an expungement?

Find out right now by taking our Instant Online Test. If you want a more thorough case evaluation, fill out this online expungement case form and we will email you a free professional case evaluation within 1 business day.

 

Is it true that you offer a no-risk money-back guarantee?

Yes, in some cases. For the complete terms, and to learn whether you qualify, see our money-back promise. [Back]

 

Will I be able to say I've NEVER BEEN CONVICTED?

Yes, in most cases. For applications to all private employers you will be able to answer "NO," if asked whether you've ever been convicted of a crime. Your conviction will be marked as DISMISSED. Applications submitted for some Government jobs and licenses will not be affected by an expungement, which means that you will still have to admit the conviction even if it is successfully expunged. [Back]

 

Can You Expunge or Reduce a Felony?

Yes. In fact, we routinely reduce and expunge felony convictions. Under California law, it is possible to have felony convictions expunged if you were granted probation and completed it successfully. In many cases we can even get felonies reduced to misdemeanors prior to expungement, meaning you are no longer an "ex-felon." [Back]

 

Will I receive some sort of official document showing my expungement?

Yes. We will provide you with a signed Court Order showing that the conviction has been dismissed. The original Court Order will be placed in your court file, sent to the Department of Justice, and becomes a public record. [Back]

 

How Long Does it Take?

With our online system you can get started immediately by making a $99 down payment. We can prepare and file your petition within 48 hours. In most cases, it takes about 45 days for the court to rule on your petition. However, some courts are quicker and some are slower. We will keep you updated every step of the way. [Back]

 

Aren't criminal convictions automatically removed from my record after 7 years?

No. That is an urban myth. They remain on your record for life. [Back]

 

Aren't old marijuana and other drug convictions automatically removed from my record, or sealed, after a certain number of years?

No! Contrary to popular belief, marijuana and other drug convictions do NOT automatically disappear from your record after two or three years. In California, this only occurs automatically for simple possession of marijuana (not for sale, etc.), or for offering to give away or transport less than an ounce of marijuana. If you were convicted of these offenses in 1976 or later, THEN AND ONLY THEN, is your record AUTOMATICALLY expunged two years later. (And it's often a good idea to confirm that this has happened). For all other California drug cases, including all other marijuana cases, a petition seeking to expunge your conviction(s) must be filed with the Court.

 

IF YOU WERE GRANTED DIVERSION OR DEJ and successfully completed it, your case has been dismissed, but your records remain public. We can SEAL AND DESTROY all court and arrest records of such offenses. [Back]

 

What about Juvenile records; aren't they automatically sealed when the person turns 18?

No. A special petition must be filed in the juvenile court to have them sealed. [Back]

 

I pled"No Contest" rather than "Guilty," doesn't that mean I can answer "NO" already if asked if I was ever convicted?

No. A plea of "No Contest" is identical to a plea of "Guilty" in California - both are considered criminal convictions and, unless expunged, must be disclosed on employment applications. [Back]

 

Will I be able to own or possess a firearm?

A California expungement has no effect on your right to own or possess a firearm. It will not help, it will not hurt. To restore lost firearm rights, we can petition for a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon. For felony convictions, a felony reduction to a misdemeanor may restore your rights to possess a firearm under California law. [Back]

 

What else won't an Expungement do?

Even after an expungement, a court can still use the prior conviction to enhance your sentence for a new crime (for example under California's Three Strikes Law). If you are a registered sex offender, an expungement will not relieve you of your duty to register. Also, an expungement does not mean that the court file is erased, destroyed, or sealed. Rather the conviction is marked as "DISMISSED." What actually happens is that your plea of guilty (or no contest) is withdrawn, a plea of NOT GUILTY is entered, and the charges are dismissed pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4 or 1203.4a. [Back]

 

How Much Do You Charge?

Part of our mission is to make expungements affordable. In almost all cases you can begin the process for an initial payment of just $99. See our current prices. [Back]

 

Sounds great, what's the next step?

You can begin your expungement right now. Just go here.