Having an old criminal record can have a significant impact on one's life. Old convictions can prevent individuals from finding employment, housing, and educational opportunities, among other things. Luckily, California offers individuals several different options to reduce the severity of old charges, to dismiss cases, and to have various records hidden from public view.
Our office has been handling California expungement cases from start to finish for over a decade. We can take care of the entire process with just a few pieces of information from the client, even if the client lives somewhere outside of California. If you've been thinking about cleaning up your record but you're intimidated by the court system, send a quick email and let us take care of everything.
One of the most significant benefits of expunging a criminal record relates to employment. Many potential employers conduct background checks on job applicants, and a criminal record can be a significant barrier to starting a new career. Employers in California, however, are legally prohibited from discriminating against applicants whose old cases have been expunged. Once your expungement has been approved by the court, then the old case "never happened" for employment purposes.
Expunging a criminal record can also help anyone seeking housing. Landlords may conduct background checks on potential tenants, and a criminal record can make it challenging to find a place to live. It's hard enough to find a good place already.
Additionally, expunging a criminal record can help students pursue educational opportunities. Many colleges, universities and graduate schools conduct background checks on applicants, and a criminal record can be an insurmountable hurdle to admission.
Expunging a criminal record can also have psychological benefits. Individuals with criminal records may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment about their past. Expunging a record can help alleviate these feelings and allow individuals to move forward with their lives without the constant reminder of their past mistakes.
Anyone with a felony conviction is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms for life. In some cases, though, old felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors. An expungement does not restore gun rights by itself, but a reduction may. Once a charge is reduced in severity from a felony to a misdemeanor, the old charge is considered to be a misdemeanor for all purposes.
Finally, expunging a criminal record can also have societal benefits. When individuals are able to find employment, housing, and educational opportunities, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior in the future. This can lead to a reduction in crime rates and a safer community for everyone.
If you or a loved one has questions about cleaning up a criminal record in California, call us for a free attorney consultation. 714 449 3335. Ask for John. Our office is located in Orange County, but we serve the entire state of California.
Thanks for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment