CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Criminal Records Expungements in Los Angeles

The Importance of Expungement and Avoiding Criminal Histories

In the state of California, expungement is a legal method of having a personal criminal conviction sealed from public view, but it is not always an automatic or easy process. Specific criminal convictions do not even qualify for expungement, such as any conviction that resulted in an incarceration term. While these crimes are not eligible for an expungement, they may qualify for receiving a certificate of rehabilitation, which can often be helpful after serving a penitentiary term. Criminal histories can create a whole range of subsequent life problems for the convicted person, many times involving eligibility for government services and future gainful employment possibilities. Therefore, avoiding criminal histories can prevent these issues from occurring.

Expungement for Cases Involving Minors

It is commonly understood that minors may have access to more expungement rights than adults, although the process is not an automatic function of the court. For minors below the age of 18, expunging a criminal conviction is like a fresh start publicly, but the court can still access the record for future use in subsequent criminal cases. However, minors convicted of a 707 (B) class of felony will not be eligible for expungement of these criminal convictions. All 707 (B) cases are serious crimes often committed with the use of a hand gun or other weapon, and they can result in significant jail terms. Regardless of the conviction level, all minor convictions that are eligible for an expungement will still require a Los Angeles expungement attorney arguing the case to the court.

Misdemeanor Expungement

Most eligible expungements are usually misdemeanor cases that are prohibiting the convicted individual from acquiring well-paying employment. Certain industries cannot have employees with any criminal history, and an expungement can mean that disclosing the information on a job application is not required. This can be especially important for individuals professionally trained in certain high salary positions.

Felony Expungement

One of the most effective methods of expunging a record is petitioning the court for a class reduction of the crime. This can usually be done with low-level felonies that do not result in incarceration when the expungement attorney can successfully represent the case to the court. Even when borderline material case factors are present, charge reduction is not always achievable after the fact, but felony convictions can still be eligible. Regardless of the level of the crime, all expungements follow certain qualification rules before the state can officially rule on the case sealing. All state databases update monthly and any expungement approval will automatically remove the case from public view after 30 days.

The Services of a Los Angeles Expungement Attorney

Regardless of the conviction level, all convictions that are eligible for an expungement will still require a Los Angeles expungement attorney arguing the case to the court. Even an expungement for a convicted minor is not an automatic approval, and the attorney can make a major difference in the case sealing even when there is a high possibility of an expungement.

The State of California is serious about crime prevention, including the social stigma attached to being a convicted felon. This is especially true for serious crimes or drug-related convictions, both of which are common in Los Angeles. When employers know about criminal incidents beforehand, there is nothing prohibiting them from denying potential employment, which can limit opportunities for individuals who have served their time and want to lead a productive life. Therefore, avoiding criminal histories or achieving expungement can lead to a better future.

Table 1: Levels of Conviction and Eligibility for Expungement

| Level of Conviction | Eligibility for Expungement |
| —————— | —————————- |
| Misdemeanor | Usually eligible |
| Low-level Felonies | Usually eligible |
| Serious Felonies | Not eligible |
| Conviction in a California court resulting in an incarceration term | Not eligible |
| Conviction of 707 (B) class of felony | Not eligible |

Table 2: Benefits of Expungement

| Benefit | Explanation |
| ——- | ———– |
| Better Employment Opportunities | Expungement can make disclosing the information on a job application not required. |
| Education Opportunities | Some educational institutions require a clean criminal history. Efforts to get rid of past convictions may be crucial in getting an admission to a university or college.|
| Get Rid of Negative Stigma | Past criminal records can negatively affect personal relationships.|
| Peace of Mind | Overcoming criminal convictions can give people peace of mind and the ability to move forward.|