Cerritos Expungements Lawyer
When you have a criminal record, it can feel like a shadow that follows you no matter how much you’ve changed. If you’re in this position, you already know that your past doesn’t always stay in the past. A record can show up when you apply for a job, try to rent an apartment, pursue a professional license, or apply to a school program. It can also affect something less visible but just as important: your confidence in being able to move forward.
But there is hope for a fresh start. In California, one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding your future is expungement. Expungement can help you clear eligible convictions and show the court and the world that you’ve earned a second chance.
At The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we understand how important it is to move forward with a cleaner record. If you’re looking to clear your criminal record through an expungement, an experienced Cerritos expungements lawyer at our firm can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Don’t let your past hold you back. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward a fresh start. Learn more about our law firm.
Our office is a short drive from Cerritos at 100 Oceangate, Suite 525, Long Beach, CA 90802, near the downtown waterfront and landmarks like Shoreline Aquatic Park and the Long Beach harbor area. If you’re coming from Cerritos near Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos Towne Center, or the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, we’re easy to reach via major corridors like South Street, Bloomfield Avenue, Carmenita Road, and Artesia Boulevard, then toward downtown Long Beach near W. Ocean Blvd and Queens Way. Call 562-216-2944 or fill out our contact form to discuss your legal options.
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“I was honored to have this firm represent me in my time of need. They were consistent with keeping me in the loop of everything going on, updates, and made me feel secure and comfortable when I was at my lowest. The firm has a great team and treated me with the utmost respect, not sugar coating anything but putting it all out on the table. Most of all they did not judge me. Thank you Mr. Perry for your support and service.”
What Exactly Is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that allows a person to ask the court to dismiss a conviction under certain circumstances. In many cases, once your expungement is granted, your record will reflect that the conviction was dismissed. That can make a major difference in everyday life, especially when background checks are involved.
Expungement is not a “magic eraser” that deletes everything forever. Some government agencies and certain licensing boards may still be able to see the original case. However, for many people, expungement is still a meaningful step forward because it can reduce the weight of conviction in key life situations, especially employment and housing.
In practical terms, expungement can help you present yourself as you are today, not as you were at your lowest point.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Cerritos?
California law allows many people with criminal convictions to apply for expungement, but not everyone qualifies. Eligibility depends on the type of conviction, the outcome of the case, and whether you completed all sentencing terms.
In general, the following conditions often apply:
1) Misdemeanors and Some Felonies May Qualify
Many misdemeanors and certain felonies can be eligible for expungement. However, some serious offenses may not qualify, especially specific crimes that carry particularly harsh restrictions under California law. Eligibility can also depend on whether you served state prison time versus probation.
2) You Must Have Completed Your Sentence
Expungement generally requires that you successfully completed all terms of your sentence, including:
- Probation
- Jail time (if applicable)
- Community service
- Fines and fees
- Court-ordered programs
If probation was not completed or was violated, you may still have options but the strategy becomes more complicated. This is where working with an attorney can be especially important.
3) You Cannot Have Open Cases or Active Sentences
Courts typically want to see that you are not currently facing new charges, on probation for another matter, or serving a sentence elsewhere.
Because expungement rules are technical, it’s normal to be unsure about eligibility. A Cerritos expungements lawyer can review your specific record, confirm what qualifies, and identify the best path forward.
How Expungement Can Impact Your Life
Expungement is often about more than paperwork. It’s about access to opportunities that may have been blocked for years.
Job Opportunities
Many employers ask about criminal history. Even when a job application doesn’t include the question, background checks often do. Expungement can improve your employment prospects and help you compete more fairly for roles you’re qualified for.
Housing
Landlords commonly run background checks. A conviction can make housing harder to secure, especially in competitive rental markets. Expungement can reduce barriers and strengthen your application.
Education and Training Programs
Certain programs, certifications, internships, and volunteer opportunities screen for criminal history. Expungement can make it easier to pursue school programs and career training.
Professional Reputation and Peace of Mind
A criminal record can create stress in everyday life, wondering what will come up, how you’ll explain it, and whether people will judge you. Expungement can provide relief and help you move forward with more confidence.
Why You Need a Lawyer for the Expungement Process in Cerritos
While expungement is designed to give people a second chance, it’s still a legal process and legal processes rarely go smoothly without preparation.
Expungement requires court filings, correct forms, and sometimes a hearing. A mistake in paperwork, a missing document, or a misunderstanding about eligibility can lead to delays or denials. Worse, a poorly handled application may create complications that could have been avoided.
A Cerritos expungements lawyer can help by:
- Confirming whether you qualify and what convictions can be dismissed
- Identifying issues such as probation status, fines, or incomplete programs
- Preparing a complete and persuasive request for the court
- Helping you understand what expungement does and does not change
- Presenting your case effectively if a hearing is required
In some cases, strengthening your petition may include showing proof of rehabilitation such as employment history, education, counseling, volunteer work, or personal references. Our firm can guide you through what helps and what matters most.
What to Expect When You Start the Process
When you contact our firm, we typically begin by reviewing your case history, your sentencing outcome, and whether the record appears eligible. From there, we outline your best options and handle the filings required to pursue dismissal.
Every situation is different. Some people have one old misdemeanor. Others have multiple cases, probation complications, or mixed outcomes. A tailored plan makes the process smoother and gives you a clearer path to the outcome you want.
Contact Our Cerritos Expungements Lawyer Today
If you believe you may qualify for expungement, don’t wait. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can start moving forward with fewer obstacles holding you back.
Ready to speak with a lawyer? Reach out to an experienced Cerritos expungements lawyer at The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates today for a confidential consultation. Call 562-216-2944 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help.
