What Crimes Can Be Expunged in the United States?
People rarely intentionally choose a life of crime. They often turn to it during difficult periods of their life, before they’ve decided on a path for their life, or when they truly feel like they have no other options. When they do their time and make amends, it’s common to wish for a fresh start—and in many states, including California, expungement offers that fresh start. However, there are limitations, and it’s important to work with a legal team that understands the requirements for and limits of expungement. The expungement attorneys at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates can take an in-depth look at your case and help you decide your next steps. Call us at 562-216-2944 to set up a time to talk.
Robin Perry, founder of the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, has an extensive background in criminal defense that makes him the natural choice for your expungement case. With experience as a Deputy District Attorney, he knows how matters are handled on both sides of the aisle and brings that experience to every case he takes. He’s passionate about his clients’ civil rights and helping them secure the resources they need to move forward in life. Learn more about crimes that qualify for expungement, and when you’re ready to discuss your case, reach out to our expungement firm to get started.
How Expungement Works
Expungement is a legal process that either removes criminal charges from a person’s record or seals the record so that the charges or convictions are no longer publicly accessible. It’s important to note that this process is different on a state-to-state basis, which is why it’s crucial to work with an expungement law firm in California that understands the nuances of California state law.
Generally, those who wish to have their crimes expunged have to meet a stringent list of requirements. These requirements are meant to show that the individual has genuine remorse for what they did, has learned from what they did, and has taken active steps to change how they live their lives. For example, in many states, those who violate their probation or reoffend while on probation are either barred from expungement or have to clear additional hurdles to get their records wiped clean.
The process also takes into account the severity of the crimes committed. Some crimes are generally considered so serious and so dangerous to the community at large that they never qualify for expungement, no matter how much work the individual has done to make amends and improve themselves.
Types of Crimes Typically Eligible for Expungement
Expungement attorneys will generally tell you that the more minor a crime is, the more likely a perpetrator is to qualify for expungement. For example, many misdemeanors qualify for expungement in most states. This is particularly true when talking about offenses that were crimes at the time of the conviction but no longer are—consider cannabis-related offenses in states where cannabis is now legal to use and possess.
Additionally, many juvenile offenses qualify for expungement across the United States. It’s widely accepted that teenagers do not have the same mental development and understanding of their actions that adults have, and so there is usually more leeway related to their charges. However, this is usually not the case if a juvenile is tried as an adult or commits a serious crime, such as sexual assault or homicide.
Finally, arrests and charges that ultimately never led to a conviction may qualify for expungement. In many states, dropped charges can still impact your job search and educational opportunities, so working with an expungement lawyer in California can help you clear those roadblocks.
Crimes Generally Not Eligible for Expungement
Felonies are far less likely to qualify for expungement than misdemeanors. Note, though, that this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In California, some felonies qualify for expungement, but there are many more limitations than there are on misdemeanors. Generally, the more harm a crime causes to a victim—physical or emotional—the less likely it is to qualify for expungement. As an example, many states do not allow those convicted of violent crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, or weapons charges to seek expungement. Still, even if you think your case does not qualify, it’s worth talking to an expungement law firm in California, especially considering our state’s recent overhaul of its expungement laws. California has much more lenient laws than most other states.
Reach Out to the Expungement Lawyers at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates
At the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we understand the importance of a fresh start when you’re ready to turn your life around. Learn more about expungement options now by calling us at 562-216-2944 or contacting us online.
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.
