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Expungement

Does an Expungement Erase a Conviction?

The word “expunge” ordinarily means to erase or to strike. Unfortunately, in California, the word “expungement” when talking about clearing a prior criminal record is a misnomer in that it neither strikes nor erases the criminal record.

In other words, the conviction is not erased from the record, but rather the person withdraws their previous guilty plea (or the court sets aside a guilty verdict if the person lost a trial), and the case is dismissed.

The practical effect of a successful “expungement” is that the case is retroactively dismissed. While the conviction remains on a person’s criminal record as having been “dismissed pursuant to Penal Code 1203.4,” the person no longer needs to disclose the conviction to most employers. The conviction will still have to be disclosed to government, state, or licensing agencies who can also use the expunged conviction against the person. Otherwise, the Labor Code prohibits other employers from using an expunged conviction as a reason to not hire the person.

How Can I Clear My Criminal Record in the US?

Unfortunately, if a person was convicted of a crime, it is legally impossible to erase the conviction completely from their criminal record. An expungement is a beneficial tool in cleaning, not clearing, a criminal record. Only an arrest or detention that did not result in a conviction can be erased from a criminal record. It might be the difference between getting that job and not.  Stay tuned for a later post on “seal and destroying” an arrest that did not result in a conviction.

If you have been convicted of DUI or a DUI-related offense and wish to have the conviction expunged, contact the Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks and, depending upon the jurisdiction, you will probably not have to personally appear in court.

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The Results of Our Cases Speak for Themselves Providing Hard-Hitting Criminal Defense
  • Drunk Driving

    Los Angeles - 6 months jail, fine, license suspension

    Reduced to Exhibition of Speed (fine)
    Read More Case Results
  • Felony DUI w/ Injury

    Rancho Cucamonga - 18 months prison, loss of license.

    Reduced to Misdemeanor DUI (fine, no jail)
    Read More Case Results
  • DUI & Hit-And-Run (.30%)

    Vista - 1-year jail, fine, license suspension.

    DUI Dismissed, Plea to Hit-and-Run (Fine)
    Read More Case Results
  • Drunk Driving w/ Drugs

    Glendale - 6 months jail, fine, license suspension.

    Charges Dismissed
    Read More Case Results
  • 2nd Offense DUI At High Speed

    Ventura - 1-year jail, fine, loss of license.

    Charges Dismissed
    Read More Case Results

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