Jail or Prison Time
Do you have a criminal record that you’d like to have expunged or dismissed? A Riverside expungement lawyer can save you time, money and frustration by handling the process for you.
To have a case dismissed or expunged, you must:
Any supporting documents that you want to provide should be included with your Petition.
Additionally, you’ll have to pay a fee for each expungement.
There is no charge for expunging infractions. In some cases, the fee can be waived.
The process may seem like a simple one, but things can quickly become complicated. Working with an expungement attorney will help ensure that you provide the correct supporting documents and that your Petition is filed with the appropriate court. Your criminal defense attorney can also save you time and a trip to the court.
There are many benefits to expunging your criminal record, such as:
Most employers perform background checks when hiring new employees. They also ask whether you have been convicted of a crime on their applications.
Expunging your record means that your conviction won’t show up on a background check. You can also answer “no” to the question of whether you have been convicted of a crime.
Expungement eliminates barriers to employment that people often face after a conviction.
Like employers, many landlords also conduct background checks. However, a criminal conviction can make it harder for landlords to approve rental applications, or you may find yourself paying higher rent and making larger deposits to secure a place to live.
Expunging your record means that your potential landlord won’t know about your conviction. Instead, you will be treated like any other applicant.
Expungement can help protect your privacy by removing your conviction from public eye. In California, expunging your record doesn’t seal your court case file. If someone knows where to look, they can find your case file. However, generally, expungement will keep your conviction private.
Some lenders believe that a criminal conviction increases the risk that you’ll default on your loan. As a result, they may deny your application or charge you a higher rate.
Expunging your record can make it easier to get approved for a loan, whether it’s an auto, home, or personal loan.
Expungement can be beneficial, but it’s not a magic eraser. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand what the process can and cannot do.
Expunging your criminal record does not:
Alejandro handled my criminal case. I was looking at a lot of time and he fought for me for over a year and a half and got me the best possible outcome. He was always honest and upfront about everything. Even after my criminal case was over he would still check on me just to see how I was doing. ( still does ) He was an absolute godsend and always encouraged me to not give up and keep going. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.
Some convictions cannot be expunged, such as certain felonies or misdemeanor vehicle-related convictions.
You are also ineligible for expungement if you are:
According to Riverside County, you may be eligible for expungement if:
If you have a criminal record that you’d like to have expunged, finding an experienced Riverside expungement attorney is crucial.
An attorney can determine which convictions may be eligible for relief and provide the appropriate supporting documents to greatly improve your chances of success.
Contact us right away to discuss the charges you would like to get expunged.
The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.
The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.
The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.
In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.
Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.
The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.
At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.
Jail or Prison Time
Substantial Fines
Lengthy Probation
License Suspension
Mandatory Education
Yes, in most cases. Having your records expunged will make it easier to get back on your feet after a conviction. Landing a job or renting an apartment won’t feel like an uphill battle.
Generally, no, expunged records do not show up on background checks. However, if a potential employer asks whether you have been convicted of a crime, you can tell them no.
Expunged records should not show up on background checks performed for:
Some crimes can never be expunged in California. These include:
The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?