Having a criminal record expunged in California will change the way a charge is recorded. An expungement changes a plea of guilty or no contest to not guilty. An expungement also changes your record to reflect that your charge was dismissed.
Expunging a criminal record has clear benefits in California. You can take steps to get your record expunged by working with our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Simmrin Law Group. We can review your case to see if an expungement is right for you.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at what it means and doesn’t mean to have a criminal record expunged.
Eligibility for an Expungement in Los Angeles
Expungement can benefit many people in the state of California. However, you should know that not everyone is eligible to get their charges expunged. You can seek an expungement if:
- You completed all the terms of your probation
- You did not spend time in prison
- You are not facing current charges for a different crime
- You are not on probation or incarcerated for a different crime
Completing the terms of your probation can involve paying fines, completing community service, and attending any court-ordered programs. Be aware that the court system allows some people to seek an expungement, even after spending time in prison. Find out more by contacting a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles now.
Expungement Changes Your Criminal Record in California
Having your record expunged here in Los Angeles has several meanings. First and foremost, getting an expungement will change your criminal record. Officially, the court will adjust your record to show that you pled not guilty and that your charges were dismissed.
However, an expungement does not completely wipe a charge off of your criminal record. Evidence that you were charged will remain, and there are a number of effects that are not reversed by an expungement.
Benefits of Getting an Expungement in Los Angeles
There are a number of benefits associated with getting your record expunged in California. However, you should know that it does not completely erase a criminal record.
You can take steps to get your criminal record expunged in Los Angeles. If the court agrees to expunge your record, it can help you in several ways. For example, potential employers cannot use an expunged conviction against you.
In fact, you can legally tell an employer you were not convicted if your charges were expunged. Additionally, securing an expungement:
- Makes it easier for you to acquire many professional licenses
- Helps you get a membership to some organizations
- Improves your credibility if you are called as a witness in a court case
A Second Chance at a Fresh Start
Having an arrest or conviction expunged from your record can have a significant impact on your life. Once the expungement process is complete, you are not legally required to disclose the incident in most situations.
This can be incredibly beneficial when applying for jobs, housing, or other opportunities that require a background check. It essentially gives individuals a fresh start and allows them to move forward without the stigma of their past mistakes following them.
However, it’s important to note that there are also situations where you may still be expected to disclose an expungement. Despite this limitation, an expungement can still provide peace of mind and help you move on.
Limitations of an Expungement in California
Expungements in Los Angeles do not completely erase all of the effects of a criminal offense. Before seeking an expungement, you should know that this process will not:
- Reinstate your driving privileges if you had a license suspension
- Give you back the right to own firearms if you were convicted of a felony
- Allow you to avoid registering as a sex offender
These results of a criminal conviction remain even after an expungement. However, the court does not hand down these penalties in all criminal cases. You may only lose your driving privileges if you were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), for example.
Additionally, expunged charges still count against you if you face subsequent criminal charges in Los Angeles. This is important in two main situations, involving:
DUI Charges
DUIs in California are considered “priorable.” This means that each time you get convicted of a DUI in a 10-year period, the penalties grow higher. You face higher fines, a longer period of incarceration, and harsher license restrictions with each conviction.
An expungement does not help with this.
California’s Three-Strike Law
California considers some felonies to be “strikes.” These felonies are usually violent crimes. Each “strike” you get will result in a harsher prison sentence.
Individuals with three strikes can face life in prison. An expungement does not remove a strike from a record.
Will an Expungement Completely Clear My Criminal Record?
While getting your record expunged can put a barrier between you and potential employers or landlords, it is important to remember that the information is not completely erased. In most cases, the record will still exist but will be sealed from public view.
This means that while the general public may not have access to it, certain entities such as law enforcement agencies, judges, and prosecutors can still see the information if necessary.
Even though your record is expunged, there are certain circumstances in which it may be unsealed. For example, when applying for specific jobs or licenses that require background checks, the entity may request that the court open your expunged record for review.
Can Someone Still See Evidence of My Past Online if My Record Is Expunged?
With today’s technology and the prevalence of online databases, information about your criminal history may still be accessible online.
Therefore, while expunging your record can provide some level of privacy and protection, it is important to understand that it may not completely erase your past legal troubles.
Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer What It Means to Get Your Record Expunged in California
Having your record expunged means that your record will show that the criminal charge you faced was dismissed. This can help you as you seek employment and with other aspects of your life. The Simmrin Law Group’s criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles can help you with the expungement process.
Find out how with a free consultation right now. Contact us today.