What Crimes Are Eligible for Expungement in California?

If you have a criminal record in California, you may be wondering if there is a way to clear your record through expungement and get a fresh start. Expungement is a legal process that allows for certain crimes to be removed from your record, giving you the chance to avoid some of the painful and expensive long-term consequences that come with a conviction. However, there are limitations—and it’s important to know whether or not your crimes qualify. That’s where the team of California expungement attorneys at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates come in. Our expungement lawyers can help you figure out your next steps. Just call our expungement law firm in Long Beach at 562-216-2944 now.
Expungement is a ray of hope for those who have criminal convictions on their record, offering a chance to prove themselves rehabilitated and wipe the slate clean. The process can be time-consuming and undoubtedly mentally demanding, as many who apply for expungement pin all of their hopes on it.
Misdemeanors Eligible for Expungement in California
Many different misdemeanor offenses find relief under the expungement law. Misdemeanors are generally regarded as less serious than felonies, and because of this, most can be expunged in California. Qualifying misdemeanors include petty theft, disturbing the peace, trespassing, minor purchases of alcohol, failure to appear, and certain types of fraud.
You do have to meet certain qualifications to get your misdemeanor expunged. You must have allowed at least one year to pass since your sentencing and paid all fees, fines, and restitution associated with the conviction. You must also have no new criminal charges on your record. An expungement attorney can provide further guidance.
Felonies That Can Be Expunged in California
If you have a felony conviction, it’s probably no surprise to you that the process of expungement is considerably more challenging and time-consuming. Felonies are more serious criminal matters, and California is more strict about which felonies can be expunged and if an individual qualifies.
Currently, under the most recent changes to expungement laws, California allows for a wide range of felonies to qualify for expungement. These crimes include those related to drug usage and possession, as well as theft charges.
You must meet certain requirements to qualify for expungement in California. You must have completed all the terms of your sentence. This includes any jail time you had to serve, fines and restitution you had to pay, attendance of any mandatory programs, and community service hours. Furthermore, you cannot have any pending criminal charges or cases. Finally, you must not still be on probation or parole. Should you still be on probation, you’ll need to start by requesting early termination of your probation. Finally, if you were convicted in a federal court, you do not qualify for expungement. If you served time in state prison, you do not qualify for expungement unless you would have served time in a county jail if your conviction had occurred after Proposition 47.
Crimes That Are Not Eligible for Expungement
While changes to California’s expungement laws have given new hope to many people, there are crimes that will still remain on your record permanently. Crimes that do not qualify for expungement in California include sex offenses involving minors, serious sex crimes, failure to submit to a police inspection of a vehicle, and certain serious violent crimes.
It’s important to note that this change is fairly recent, and so advice you’ve been given in the past may no longer be accurate. That’s why it’s important to talk to an expungement lawyer in California to find out if you can get your criminal charges removed from your record.
What California Expungement Can Do for You
First, it’s important to note that what California offers is not technically expungement. Technically, it is having your guilty plea or conviction set aside by a judge. However, the outcome is essentially the same as it is in states that offer true expungement. When you are granted expungement in a California court, you can check “no” when you are asked about criminal convictions on job applications. You may also find it easier to travel internationally, secure a professional license, and seek housing in certain areas.
Discuss Your Next Steps With the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates
Our team of expungement attorneys is ready to help you plan your next steps. Let’s sit down and talk—call our California expungement law firm at 562-216-2944 or reach out online now.

Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.