Lakewood Expungement Lawyer
Lakewood Expungement Attorney
Having a criminal record can negatively impact almost every area of your life, ranging from career opportunities to educational choices. However, expungement allows Lakewood residents convicted of certain crimes to seal their criminal record, allowing for a future free of bias and obstacles. When you hire a Lakewood expungement lawyer from the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we can assess your eligibility and work to have your record expunged.
An Overview of the California Expungement Process
Sealing your criminal record in California can be a liberating experience, as it can open up employment, educational, and housing opportunities that may have once been out of reach. According to one study, some individuals saw almost a 22% increase in their wages after successfully expunging their record, demonstrating just how much a criminal conviction can impact one’s livelihood.
There are several key steps you and your lawyer will need to complete in order to move forward with your expungement case, which are as follows:
- Verify Your Eligibility: If you qualify under California SB 731, did not serve state prison time, have completed probation, and have no pending charges, you will likely be eligible for record expungement. However, it’s important to note that not every crime is eligible for the expungement process in California.
- Collect Records and File Forms: You need to collect records for each conviction you wish to have expunged. You must then file a Petition for Dismissal (Form CR-180) and an Order for Dismissal (Form CR-181).
- File With the Proper Court: Once you have completed both forms, you and your lawyer can submit them to the superior court in the county where your conviction occurred.
- Serve the Prosecutor: Finally, you will need to serve the District Attorney’s Office with the necessary paperwork.
Crimes That Are Not Eligible for Expungement in California
While California allows for a variety of both misdemeanors and felonies to be expunged, there are certain crimes that are not eligible for expungement. These include:
- Sex Crimes Involving Minors: According to California Penal Code §288, any sex crime involving a minor, such as lewd acts, statutory rape, and/or the possession or distribution of child pornography, is not eligible for expungement. You may also be found ineligible if you are required to register for the sex offenders list.
- Felony Charges That Resulted in Prison Time: If you were convicted of a felony and sent to prison, not your county jail, it is unlikely that you will qualify for expungement. In certain cases, however, it may be possible through a Certificate of Rehabilitation or a Governor’s Pardon, but it is unlikely.
- Crimes Related to Public Corruption: If you were a public official found to be abusing your power or your position, you may be barred from the expungement process in an effort to uphold the integrity of public service overall.
- Crimes Committed in Violation of Probation or Parole: In cases where you violated the terms of your probation or parole, you will most likely not qualify for expungement. This can happen even if the offense itself is commonly eligible for expungement, as the violation of probation and parole is seen as a disqualifying factor.
Hire an Expungement Lawyer to Seal Your Record Today
Attorney Christopher J. McCann has been serving his community for over 15 years, representing people just like you as they seek to improve their quality of life and their ability to build the future they want. Our team shares extensive experience navigating state and federal criminal laws and has successfully helped countless California residents secure expungement.
Christopher J. McCann serves as a dedicated legal advocate for residents throughout the state and is prepared to leverage his legal knowledge and experience to achieve your goals.
FAQs About Lakewood, CA Expungement Laws
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Expungement Lawyer in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, the cost of hiring an expungement lawyer tends to vary based on certain variables, such as who you hire to handle your case, the level of complexity involved, the amount of time it requires to finalize, and the number and severity of convictions you are trying to get expunged. However, hiring a skilled lawyer can be an invaluable resource that helps you achieve expungement and move forward with your life.
What Crimes Are Eligible for Expungement in California?
California legislation allows for a myriad of criminal convictions to be expunged if the individual meets certain requirements. Most misdemeanors and even a variety of felonies can be expunged in California. However, most crimes involving violence or harmful sexual behavior do not qualify. You should consult a skilled expungement lawyer to learn whether you may be eligible for expungement in your city.
Do DUIs Qualify for Expungement in California?
Yes, per California Penal Code 1203.4, those convicted of a DUI can pursue record expungement in the state of California. It is important to be aware, however, that any prior DUI convictions will still be kept on your private record. This means that even if the public cannot see these charges, local law enforcement or courts can see your past convictions should you be arrested for another DUI. This is because prior convictions influence how a DUI is charged.
How Long Will My Expungement Case Take to Conclude in California?
The precise amount of time needed to complete an expungement case in California tends to vary case by case. The impact of several variables is typically behind this, such as the availability of other parties involved, the complexity of your expungement case, whether or not you have hired a lawyer, and the scheduling capabilities of your local courthouse. Hiring a lawyer can help you keep your case on track.
Contact a Trusted Lakewood Expungement Lawyer Today
Expungement can give California residents the ability to move forward from their past and pursue new opportunities. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the second chance you deserve.
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