Sealing Criminal Records / Expungements

Many people who have been convicted of a criminal charge may find that the conviction on their record keeps them from achieving some of their goals in life. Perhaps it is a felony offense committed 15 years ago, or a misdemeanor shoplifting offense committed at age 18. Many criminal offenses can be expunged, or cleared from your record, giving you a fresh start free of the stigma of your previous criminal conviction.

You may also view our page that is specific to clearing/sealing juvenile criminal records .

Stephen G. Rodriguez and his office staff understand that many individuals who are not career criminals nevertheless have a blemish on their criminal record. By clearing or sealing the record of the offense, you get a clean start that lets you apply for jobs that would involve background checks, apply for credit, and generally make a fresh start without a criminal record. Please take a look below at the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding clearing criminal records.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Expungements
(Clearing Criminal Records)

What Does a Criminal Record Consist of?
A criminal record is a history of all of your arrests and convictions.

Can a Criminal Record be Cleared, Sealed or Destroyed?
Yes, certain convictions can be cleared (or cleansed) from one's criminal record through a legal process known as an "Expungement." An Expungement is a process of clearing or sealing one's criminal records. It is not a complete erasure of the conviction but rather a clearing of the criminal record from public view.

Why Would You Want to "EXPUNGE" or Seal Your Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record impacts your ability to obtain credit or to get the job you want. There are other serious consequences of having a criminal conviction. For example, in today's tight economy employers are doing extensive background checks before hiring new employees. Apartment complexes often reject tenant applications based on criminal convictions. Criminal records can even affect your ability to obtain a professional license.

A potential employer or landlord can easily obtain your criminal record or history. Law enforcement agencies, (Police and Sheriff's departments), Court and County clerks' offices, prosecutorial agencies (District Attorney, City Attorney, U.S. Attorney), and the FBI maintain criminal histories. Many of these records are now available to the general public by way of the Internet. If your criminal record is sealed or expunged then you are legally allowed to say that the conviction or arrest never occurred on documents such as job applications, rental applications, or for many other purposes. An expungement gives someone a "clean slate", the opportunity to start fresh.

Can all Criminal Convictions be Sealed or Expunged?
No, not all criminal convictions can be sealed. Most misdemeanors and some felonies can be expunged. Your attorney can give you the best advice on whether your conviction can be expunged.

How Does the Expungement Process Work?
After it is determined that you qualify for an expungement, our office prepares a petition/motion. This petition/motion is filed with the Court and a copy is sent to the appropriate prosecutor's office. A hearing date is scheduled in Superior court. At the hearing the Judge will consider the specific facts and circumstances in your case. Your record will be reviewed, or checked, to see if you have successfully completed your probation and whether you have picked up any new arrests or criminal convictions. In addition, the Judge will listen to the prosecutor, as well as your attorney's arguments before deciding whether or not to grant the expungement motion.

How Long Will it Take to Get Your Record Sealed?
The process usually takes 2 to 4 months to complete locally. It takes an additional 4 to 6 months to have your record sealed with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Seal Criminal Records
Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates to discuss your matter and determine whether it qualifies for an expungement. We can assist you in sealing your criminal record and you may not even have to make a court appearance. Please call us toll-free at 800-788-8557 for a FREE CONSULTATION..

Contact an Experienced Attorney to Seal Your Criminal Record
If you have any questions or would like to speak directly to an experienced criminal attorney regarding clearing your criminal record (expungements), please do not hesitate to call the firm's Los Angeles, California office at 213-388-8824, for a FREE CONSULTATION. If you prefer, you may e-mail the firm and a lawyer will be in touch with you as soon as possible.