What Can Be Expunged from Your Criminal Record in California?

Most people want to avoid a criminal record in the first place if they can. That’s because if you’re convicted of a crime, future employers, landlords, and others may be able to see this information in your history. But what happens if you were already convicted of something and you’re still worried about how it could influence your future? This is increasingly a concern for people convicted in California, and it’s one that could be helped by talking to a criminal defense lawyer to figure out your options for getting your record expunged. This may be a powerful path forward for you.

One of the most common questions asked by anyone who has been accused of a crime is what crimes can ultimately be expunged from your record. Getting a misdemeanor expungement is a common concern for people who are interested in protecting their record. However, not everyone is eligible to pursue an expungement of a criminal allegation.

The right attorney should be retained to represent you from the moment you have been accused so that you can avoid the potential consequences of a conviction and not have to go through expungement at all. Penal Code 1203.4 is available to help defendants convicted of misdemeanors or felonies who have completed probation for their offense. In order to qualify for an expungement in California, you must not have served any time in state prison. A prospective employer cannot use your past conviction against you in hiring decisions. He or she cannot even ask you about it in an interview. You are not eligible for California expungement if you are on probation for a criminal offense, are serving a sentence for a criminal offense, or are currently charged with a criminal offense. Certain sex crimes also bar you from being able to pursue an expungement in your case. The right Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney is an important asset when moving forward with a plan to have your record expunged. Having an expunged record could assist you with proper protection of your future and not bar you from employment opportunities.