Ventura Expungements & Record Sealing Lawyer

How to Clean Your Record in California?

An arrest and conviction for a criminal offense can have profound consequences on your life. Not only could you be sentenced to prison or ordered to pay steep fines, but you will have a record. This can make it challenging to get a job, find housing, or even qualify for government benefits, as decision-makers can access your criminal information. Fortunately, California offers a form of relief known as an expungement to help you get a second chance at life.

If you’re granted an expungement, your criminal record is effectively sealed. The process for clearing your record isn’t always straightforward, and many steps are involved to effectively apply. Thankfully, you don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone: you can have a lawyer help you throughout. At the Law Office of Christopher P. Welch, our attorney has over 10 years of legal experience and is ready to guide you through the expungement process.

Contact us 24/7 to schedule your free consultation. We can be reached by phone at (805) 467-6542.

How an Expungement Can Help You

Get an expungement, get your life back. You don’t have to let your old convictions hold you back. Much of your criminal record can be wiped clean. Employers can see expunged convictions, but by law, they cannot discriminate against you for that conviction.

After an expungement, it will be easier for you to:

• Get the job you want
• Qualify for public housing
• Receive state and professional licenses
• Put your past behind you

After Completion of Probation

You are automatically entitled to an expungement after you successfully completed probation. Getting an expungement simply requires knowing what paperwork to fill out and filling it out correctly. The Law Office of Christopher P. Welch can assist you and ensure it gets done properly and fast. Using a criminal defense attorney is one of the most expedient methods of getting an expungement.

Still on Probation with No Violations

If you are still on probation but have not had any significant violations, you may be a candidate for early termination of probation. In such a case, you may immediately apply for an expungement.

Completion of Probation with Violations

If you violated the terms of your probation, the court would still have the discretion to help you. This is a much more complicated process, and it is particularly important to have an attorney who knows how the system works. You must demonstrate why it is in the interest of justice to grant the expungement. This process involves fact-finding and the preparation of relevant court documents, customized for you. Any attorney will allow you to navigate this process and maximize your chances for success.

Sealing Your Arrest Records

If you successfully completed Diversion of Deferred Entry Judgment for a drug-related offense, you may move to have your arrest records sealed pursuant to Penal Code section 851.90(a). This process is time-consuming and requires drafting a motion, serving the motion, and appearing in court. After the records are sealed it will be almost as if the arrest never happened.

Call Law Office of Christopher P. Welch Today

The process of seeking an expungement can be complicated, but our attorney is here to answer all your questions and walk you through the whole thing.

If you’re ready to pursue a fresh start, contact our Ventura criminal defense lawyer at (805) 467-6542.