Who We Help


Who We Help

A criminal record can follow you for many years, and a lot of things can change in that time. You may not be the same person you were when you committed the crime, or perhaps the laws have changed. 

However, convictions on your record can still negatively affect your ability to get a job, obtain adequate housing, apply for professional licenses, keep the right to vote, and so much more. 

Things change, and you shouldn’t have to continue to pay the price for past mistakes. 

Fortunately, for many people with criminal convictions on their record, there is an option to have it expunged. An expungement is a viable option for those convicted of most misdemeanors and some felonies, especially “wobbler crimes” which could have been prosecuted as either a felony misdemeanor. 

If you are tired of denied opportunities due to your criminal record, fill out our easy online form or give us a call so we can put a proven expungement lawyer to work on your case as soon as possible. 

Who Can Benefit from an Expungement in California?

If you were convicted of a criminal offense, then you likely understand the ancillary burdens and hardships that accompany your conviction, even after you have served your sentence, completed probation, and paid your fines. 

Expungement can benefit you if you are:

  • Seeking a job or promotion
  • Applying for professional licenses
  • Seeking federal student loans
  • In need of affordable housing
  • Seeking any type of loan
  • Facing deportation due to a criminal record

Marijuana Expungements

The state of California has formally legalized marijuana. As a result, many laws involving the use of or possession of marijuana are now voided. If your past marijuana conviction is no longer a crime, then you may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed by the California Justice Department.

Are You Eligible for an Expungement in California?

Most misdemeanor convictions and some felony convictions are eligible to be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4. To be eligible, the applicant must have successfully completed their probation and cannot be currently charged with another criminal offense, be on probation for another offense, or serving a jail sentence. At Expunge America, we have helped thousands of people get their records expunged for many types of past convictions to include (but not limited to):

  • Most infractions of the law
  • DUI
  • Petty theft
  • Trespassing
  • Failure to appear in court
  • Disturbing the peace
  • Burglary
  • Drug cases
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Domestic violence 
  • Assault and battery

Who is Not Eligible for Expungement

Expungement is not an option for everyone. Those that have been convicted of an offense and subsequently served their sentence in state prison are not eligible to have their convictions expunged.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Give us a call to connect with a skillful expungement attorney to learn more about eligibility. 

Why Are Some Expungement Petitions Denied?

Expungement petitions can be denied for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons can be avoided with the proper representation from an experienced expungement attorney. Learn more about the reasons an expungement petition can be denied below. 

The offense is not eligible to be expunged under California state law.

As previously mentioned, not all convictions are eligible to be expunged. Before you take the time, energy and financial resources to file your petition, it is recommended that you work with a successful expungement lawyer to ensure that your convictions are eligible before beginning the process. 

Your probation was not successfully completed.

Violating the terms of your probation does not automatically mean that a judge will deny your petition. However, it does substantially increase the likelihood of it being denied. It should be noted that committing another crime while on probation increases the chances of your petition being denied. 

The petition was not filed correctly, or it had errors. 

If your petition was not filed correctly or has errors, there is a big chance that it will either be denied or delayed. The court has certain expectations, timelines, and procedures that must be met to file a petition for expungement successfully. 

Unpaid fines and/or restitution.

Although the courts make exceptions, in general, it is best to pay all of your fines and restitution before applying to have a conviction expunged. If your fines have not been paid in full, there is a good chance that your attempt to expunge your record may not be successful.

Do I Need an Attorney for an Expungement?

You can certainly petition the courts and go through the expungement process by yourself. However, you greatly increase your chances of getting it approved by working with an expungement attorney. They will ensure that your case is viable, you have the correct documents, and your petition is filed correctly. Time is crucial when you’re trying to get a job, housing, or approval for a loan. 

At Expunge America, we work hard to make the process as easy as possible for you, so you can start moving forward. That is why we offer a convenient, quick, and affordable method of expunging records. Contact us at (844) 204-7222 or fill out our form for your free consultation today.