Expungement- What is it?

For those interested in clearing up their criminal record, one of the most popular ways is through expungement. A successful expungement can effectively erase the guilty verdict.  In California, expungement can only be used in cases where the verdict was a misdemeanor, or a felony that could have been a misdemeanor. However, there are some cases, such as sexual assault on a minor or a major vehicle code violation, that cannot be expunged.

To file for expungement basically requests the court to reopen the case, take back the plea or guilty verdict, annul any charges, and then close the case again without a conviction. The case will remain on record, but the verdict will be changed from a plea or conviction to a dismissal in the “interests of Justice” (IOJ).

If you are interested in an expungement and believe you meet the requirements, or have further questions, call in today at 805.569.9400