What Are the Benefits of Expungement?

In our previous blog, “Can I Get a DUI Expunged from My Record in California,” we covered under what grounds a DUI may be expunged, or, more accurately, dismissed from a person’s record. In this post, we’d like to touch more on the various benefits associated with expungement, as well as what other crimes may potentially be cleared from your record, and how having your record dismissed can truly give you a new lease on life. Read on and reach out to a dedicated Tehama County expungement lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law to learn more.

What are the benefits of expungement?

Expunging your criminal conviction can have many benefits for your personal and professional life. Some of the various benefits of having your record cleared are as follows:

• Being able to honestly answer “no” when asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime on most job applications.
• Having a clean criminal record that will not show up on most background checks by employers, landlords, or educational institutions.
• Being eligible for certain licenses, certifications, or programs that require a clean criminal record.
• Improving your reputation and self-esteem by putting your past mistake behind you.

What crimes other than DUIs are eligible for expungement?

A variety of crimes may be eligible for expungement, however, to qualify, the following must be true:

• You were granted probation and completed all terms of your probation.
• You were convicted of misdemeanor charges but one year has elapsed since your conviction.
• You were convicted of an infraction but one year has elapsed since your conviction.
• You are not on probation or serving a sentence for another criminal case. You also must not have any other criminal charges pending against you.

Do I need an attorney to get my record cleared in California?

While you can file for expungement on your own, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced attorney to help you with the process. An attorney can ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, prepare and file the necessary paperwork, represent you at any hearings, and advise you on how to protect your rights and interests.

If you have any further questions about whether your record may qualify for dismissal or you’d like to speak with an attorney who can help you through the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Cohen Criminal Law today. We are on your side, and we will be, every step of the way.