Sacramento Expungement Appeals Lawyer

Clearing Your Criminal Record for a Fresh Start

A criminal record can create significant obstacles in your personal and professional life, making it difficult to secure employment, obtain a professional license, or even qualify for certain housing opportunities. If you have a criminal conviction, you may be eligible for expungement, which can remove past offenses from your criminal record and give you a fresh start.

At Crowell Law Offices, our experienced Sacramento expungement appeals lawyer can help you navigate the expungement process, ensuring that your rights are protected and increasing your chances of having your conviction expunged.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals with a prior conviction to have their case dismissed. Under California Penal Code, if the court grants an expungement, the conviction is set aside, and the case is dismissed. While an expunged record does not completely erase a conviction, it can significantly improve opportunities in employment, housing, and other areas of life.

Expungement is available for individuals who have successfully completed probation or their sentence. However, it is not available for certain crimes, including some violent felonies and offenses that require sex offender registration.

Benefits of Expungement

Having a criminal record expunged provides several benefits, including:

• Increased job opportunities, as many potential employers conduct background checks
• The ability to obtain or renew a professional license
• Improved chances of securing housing and government jobs
• The opportunity to serve on a jury or run for public office
• Relief from some of the social stigma associated with a criminal history

An expungement does not completely erase a conviction from all records, as law enforcement agencies and government agencies may still access certain information, but it greatly reduces the impact of a past conviction on daily life.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in California?

To be eligible for expungement under California law, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Successfully completed probation without violations
• Paid all fines, court fees, and restitution
• Not currently facing new criminal charges or serving a sentence for another crime
• The conviction was for a misdemeanor or a felony that can be reduced to a misdemeanor

Some felony convictions may be eligible for felony reduction, meaning the charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor before expungement. An experienced attorney can review your case to determine your eligibility and guide you through the necessary legal steps.

The Expungement Process in Sacramento

The expungement process involves several legal steps and requires careful attention to detail. A typical case includes:

1. Reviewing the conviction and determining eligibility under California Penal Code
2. Filing a petition with the court that handled the original conviction
3. Notifying law enforcement agencies and relevant government agencies
4. Attending a court hearing if required
5. Requesting early termination of probation if necessary
6. Seeking to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor if applicable
7. Obtaining a final decision from the court

If the court grants the expungement, your criminal record will be updated, and you will no longer have to disclose the conviction in most situations. However, expunged criminal records may still be accessible in certain legal or government-related circumstances.

Can Expungement Help with a Felony Conviction?

Many people with a felony conviction wonder whether they can have their record cleared. In some cases, a felony may first need to be reduced to a misdemeanor before being eligible for expungement. Certain offenses, especially those that resulted in a state prison sentence, may not be eligible. However, if you have successfully completed probation and meet other legal criteria, you may be able to have your past conviction expunged.

If you have questions about whether your conviction qualifies for expungement, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced expungement attorney.

Why You Need an Expungement Attorney

Expungement law can be complex, and the legal process requires thorough documentation and precise court filings. Hiring a criminal defense attorney who understands the legal system can improve your chances of having your conviction expunged. At Crowell Law Offices, our Sacramento expungement lawyers can:

• Analyze your criminal record and determine eligibility
• Prepare and file all necessary legal documents
• Represent you in a court hearing if required
• Request early termination of probation when applicable
• Guide you through the process and ensure compliance with California law

We understand how a criminal record can impact your future, and we are dedicated to helping our clients move forward with a clean slate.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Learn more about the expungement process and how we can help you get a fresh start. Call Crowell Law Offices at (916) 303-2800 to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the legal steps toward clearing your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the expungement process take?

The expungement process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the court schedule. It is important to start as soon as possible.

Can a felony conviction be expunged?

Yes, in some cases. A felony charge may need to be reduced to a misdemeanor before expungement. Certain felonies, particularly those resulting in a state prison sentence, may not be eligible.

Will an expungement remove my conviction from all records?

Expungement removes the conviction from most public records, but law enforcement agencies and government agencies may still have access to some information.

Can I apply for a professional license after expungement?

Yes, having an expunged record can improve your chances of obtaining or renewing a professional license. However, some licensing boards may still consider the past conviction.

Do I need to appear in court for an expungement?

In some cases, a court hearing may be required, especially if the prosecutor objects. An expungement lawyer can represent you and present arguments on your behalf.