It may be possible to remove prior convictions from your juvenile or adult criminal record or have them sealed from public view through a process known as expungement. When going through the expungement process you need to have a lawyer who is qualified in misdemeanor and felony expungement. Gregory W. Fox provides experienced representation as a criminal record expungement lawyer. To discuss the details of your case following criminal conviction and to schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us today at (559) 222-5800.
Effects of a Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction can have long lasting effects on your life, including the ability to obtain a job, professional licenses, residency, U.S. citizenship, renting a home or apartment, and other benefits such as education. A background check is often performed by employers and educational facilities which will provide information regarding your criminal record. A conviction while you are employed may also affect your ability to continue working or maintain your professional license.
Expungement Process
At the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox, our goal is to clear your history of criminal charges (whether they are juvenile or adult) that may have a negative impact on your chances of obtaining employment or receiving an education.
Following probation our firm works quickly to request that your criminal conviction be reversed, set aside, or dismissed. This process applies to misdemeanor and felony cases where you were not sentenced to state prison or under the authority of the California Department of Corrections.
Sealing your Criminal Record
Many people may not be aware of the fact that an arrest record is considered public information. Even if your case has been dismissed and no charges were filed, your arrest record, court hearing, and case disposition still exist as public record unless you move to have the records sealed.
Anyone with the ability to run a background check would be able to discover your previous criminal arrests and through searches at the courthouse or internet would be able to obtain information regarding your criminal history which demonstrates the benefits of having your criminal record sealed.
We will work on your behalf to have your criminal record sealed, and if successful, your records are sealed and destroyed and it is as if the arrest never took place. It may be possible to have your arrest record sealed if you were arrested and:
- No complaint was filed.
- The complaint filed was later dismissed.
- You were acquitted following a trial.
- You were found to be factually innocent.
Benefits of Expungement
Perhaps the single greatest benefit of having your criminal record expunged is being able to answer “no” to the question “have you ever been convicted of a crime?”. In some cases you may be required to disclose your conviction, however, an expungement of the charge typically goes in your favor.