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If you have been charged or convicted of a crime, you may wonder how to get charges expunged using California law – specifically, PC 1203.4. A clean criminal record is essential to many critical aspects of your life. A mistake from your past can negatively impact many areas, including your chance to secure long-term housing, find a good job, and receive fair child custody rights. Learn how you can benefit from PC 1203.4 and California’s expungement policies.
What Is PC 1203.4?
California Penal Code 1203.4 allows for the expungement of certain qualifying offenses. In Orange County, not every offense is eligible for expungement. To be eligible, you must first meet certain requirements. The law lists these expungement requirements under Senate Bill 731 and includes the following:
- You have not been convicted of a felony that requires you to register as a sex offender.
- Five years have passed since your conviction for possessing certain controlled substances.
- On January 1, 1973, or after, you were sentenced to and completed probation without revocation.
- On January 1, 1973, or after, you were convicted of a misdemeanor or infraction and met your sentencing criteria.
- On January 1, 2005, or after, you were convicted of a felony, and you did not complete probation without revocation. Still, you completed all terms of probation, incarceration, parole, and supervision, and at least four years have passed without receiving another felony conviction.
These are some of the requirements for eligibility. A California expungement lawyer can determine whether your offense is eligible.
How to Get Charges Expunged
There is a specific process that you must follow to get your charges expunged. When you follow the correct procedures and timelines, it can drastically increase your chance of success.
Working with an experienced expungement lawyer like Ron Brower can help give you the best chance of success with your expungement. He will ensure that the correct processes are adhered to promptly while guiding you through the expungement process and handling all the details every step of the way.
Do You Need an Expungement Lawyer?
When considering how to approach the expungement process, you may wonder whether you need an attorney. It is possible to pursue your expungement without legal assistance. However, much can go wrong. This is especially true when your case includes complex legal issues or faces opposition.
While hiring an attorney can be beneficial even with the most straightforward cases, it is especially so in these situations. Your lawyer will ensure every aspect of your case is accounted for and in order.
Navigate California’s Expungement Process
It can be difficult to get ahead when you have a criminal record hanging over you. Wiping your criminal history clean using PC 1203.4 can give you a fresh start. This can be just the boost you need to help you get where you want in life.
When people run background checks on you and see a criminal record, some people, such as employers and landlords, can use this information to discriminate against you.
Clearing your recording using PC 1203.4 can help you remove this stumbling block. California’s expungement process can be complicated, but you do not need to handle it alone. Contact the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower to arrange your consultation.