Unfortunately, the consequences of having a conviction on your criminal record can follow you in a variety of ways throughout your life. Whether it is deterring you from finding or keeping a job, or securing suitable housing, a criminal record may have a lasting negative affect on your life. With the help of a defense lawyer however, you may not have to carry your past with you into your future. Expunging your record is a great way to clear your record and help alleviate some of the repercussions and social stigma that can come from having a prior criminal record. Expungement is the process of “cleaning up,” or removing past criminal convictions.
Expungement of Convictions in San Diego
Some counties in California handle expungements differently; however, most allow for felonies and misdemeanor convictions to be removed from your record. This is not done automatically and can be an intricate process that a defense lawyer can help you complete. The California Penal Code allows for a conviction to be expunged or dismissed upon the completion of the individual’s sentence or probation. Not all convictions are eligible for expungement and as such, it is best to discuss the details of your record with a defense lawyer.
Although most people assume that expungement means to completely wipe a criminal record clean, this is not the case. This can be incredibly valuable if you are able to deny you ever had any criminal convictions on a job application. After your conviction record has been expunged, your record of arrest and conviction will not be visible to the public. One of the most noteworthy benefits is that once your record is expunged, you may not be required to disclose that you have a criminal record or have even been convicted of any of the expunged crimes. Some records always remain however, such as the arrest records, which can show up on a thorough government background check.
Expungement Requirements
As previously stated, expunging your record does not happen automatically and must be initiated to become effective. A defense lawyer can help you assess your current and previous convictions in order to determine which are eligible to be expunged. In order to be qualified, you must have completed your sentencing or probationary period, and you cannot currently be convicted of another crime nor can you have any current proceedings pending against you. In most cases, there are certain types of convictions that may never be expunged. Some of these include: murder, rape, and sexual offenses against a child including pornography.
See How You Can Expunge Your Record and Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Ashby C. Sorensen in San Diego
Your past does not always have to remain with you into the future. You may have options when it comes to expunging your criminal convictions and Criminal Defense Lawyer San Diego, Ashby Sorensen is here to help.
If you are having trouble finding a job, renting a home, or ridding yourself of negative social stigmas, expungement may help to improve your quality of life. Call (858) 999-6921 now for your free consultation and see what your expungement options are.
Theft Lawyer in San Diego, California 