When someone is convicted of a crime, they will obtain a criminal record, which can follow them for years to come, which is why if you’ve been convicted of a crime in the past, you should strongly consider hiring a knowledgeable Tehama County expungement lawyer who can work to have your good name cleared. Continue reading and contact Cohen Criminal Law today to schedule your initial, free, consultation with our firm.
Do I Need a Tehama County Expungement Lawyer to Clear my Record?
If you are looking to have your record expunged, cleared, or dismissed, you cannot afford to do so alone. Our Red Bluff criminal lawyer can work to ensure that you take all of the necessary actions when applying for a dismissal both timely and properly so you can finally move on with your life without the burdens of a criminal record weighing you down.
What Happens When My Record is Expunged/Dismissed?
The first thing you should understand is that California does not formally recognize the term “expungement,” and does not offer those who’ve been convicted of crimes expungement. Instead, the state offers those who’ve been convicted of certain crimes “dismissals.” Essentially, in a dismissal, the court will reopen your case, and as long as you meet various criteria, it will change your sentence to a not-guilty plea and dismiss the case. A dismissal does not completely erase your criminal record, though it does make it so most private employers, landlords, and credit agencies can no longer view your criminal record.
What Crimes Cannot Be Dismissed in California?
There are various crimes that are entirely ineligible for dismissal in California, some of which are as follows:
- Murder
- Arson
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Terrorism
- Capital offenses
- Rape
What Crimes Are Eligible for Dismissal in California?
Fortunately, there are a variety of crimes and scenarios that may qualify for dismissal in the state of California, some of which are as follows:
- Those who’ve been convicted of misdemeanor or felony charges, were granted probation, and completed all terms of probation.
- Those convicted of misdemeanor charges and denied probation, as long as they wait at least one year after conviction before applying for dismissal.
- Those convicted of an infraction, as long as they wait at least one year after conviction before applying for dismissal.
- Finally, you should note that to qualify, you must not currently be on probation or serving a sentence for any other criminal case, and you must not have any pending criminal charges against you.
Contact Our Tehama County Expungement Lawyer
If you’ve been convicted of a crime in the past, though you’ve moved on with your life and you’re now on the right track, our firm is here to help you clear your name. Contact Cohen Criminal Law today so we can work to have your record swiftly dismissed.
