EXPUNGEMENT OR SEALING THE RECORD

Expungement is the sealing of a criminal record so it is not publicly available. If the person was found not guilty or the case was dismissed, expungement is not automatic and there is still a need to hire a lawyer. If the person was found guilty you will need to also hire an attorney. Keep in mind that not everybody qualifies.
The expungement request is usually scheduled for hearing in about six to eight weeks before the judge once the papers have been submitted. During those weeks before the hearing, your application will be checked by the Probation Department for initial eligibility. Be sure to respond promptly to any request for information from the Probation Department. The Probation Department reports its findings to the judge for consideration at the expungement hearing. If you do not respond to the Probation Department, it is likely the department will report that you do not qualify for expungement.

Who qualifies?

1. Those who do NOT have any criminal proceedings pending against them.

2. If the charge was a first time misdemeanor, the person will qualify after one year once the probation period is over and as long as there have not been other charges.

3. If the charge was a first time felony, the person will qualify after three years once the probation period is over and as long as there have not been other charges.

Contact my office for a free consultation where I will give you an honest assessment of what to expect, what your legal options are and how much it will cost you. You are under NO obligation to hire me after this consultation. I accept cash, checks and money orders. If you cannot afford to pay the entire amount at the time of hiring me, we can talk about a payment plan over a period of time.