Post Conviction Relief and Expungements
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers
An individual that takes his or her rehabilitation after a conviction seriously and responsibly has the opportunity to have their criminal record expunged. There are some cases in which expungement is not possible; for example if you are on probation or are serving a sentence for another offense or if you were charged with certain crimes that do not offer relief of criminal record. However, a person can have his or her criminal record expunged if they have successfully completed the probation sentence by meeting all the terms of the probation or by being granted early termination from probation.
The dismissal of a case is the outcome of a successful expungement. Individuals with an expunged record can answer “No” on job applications or other documents that ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime. However, an expungement does not remove the conviction from the California or the FBI rap sheet. Thus, if applying for a government job, a job that calls for a government issued permit, certificate or license or a job that requires a security clearance, the conviction will be discovered so it is best to disclose this information beforehand.
An expungement of your criminal record will not reinstate your right to possess a firearm unless the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor and the crime did not involve violence. The court file will also still be available for public inspection and the conviction can be used in a future case as a prior offense to increase the penalty. While these restrictions sound overwhelming, the expungement of one’s criminal record will give future employers a sense that you are responsible and that you made the effort to fit into society after serving your time.
Expunging your record is a conscientious and smart thing to do. You owe it to yourself to get a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney that can give you the best possible representation and advice, inside and outside of the courtroom. The law office of William S. Kroger, staffs the finest criminal defense lawyers Los Angeles can offer, ready to help you seek justice and get a superior defense.
Please contact my office toll free at 800-655-7505 or (323) 655-5700, 24 hours a day to schedule a call for a consultation to answer any questions you may have.
