Your right to expunge or seal your criminal records – why expungements are important
A criminal record can prevent you from getting a good job, obtaining credit, renting an apartment, voting, obtaining certain licenses (nursing, realtor, medical, and other professional licenses), running for political positions, and other benefits of society we take for granted.
Today more than ever, employers are doing background checks on current and potential employees. Thanks to the Internet, information is accessible to anyone interested in knowing your past. Expunging the criminal record dismisses and sets aside your felony and/or misdemeanor conviction from the public record.
Advantages of expungement?
- You can apply for credit, be eligible for employment, run for office, and compete fairly and honestly in society.
- When filling out forms (other than to governmental agencies), you can lawfully answer ‘no’ to questions, such as “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
- You can hold your head high and feel confident without the underlying worry of someone ‘finding out’ your criminal background.
A qualified California criminal defense Expungement attorney at Wallin & Klarich can assist in determining your expungement eligibility.
If eligible for an expungement, your lawyer will file a petition to expunge your record (Adult Record Clearance Application) with the State of California. The purpose of this form is to request the court to reverse a guilty plea or set aside a guilty verdict. Once approved, your record will be cleared and original charges dismissed.
Please contact Wallin & Klarich at (888) 749-0034 or www.wklaw.com for further details.