Can I Clear My Criminal Record in California? Here’s What to Know.

There are few things worse than being charged with a crime, going through the criminal justice system, and then facing both the short and long-term penalties of having a criminal record. While the immediate penalties of a criminal record can include jail time, high fines, and more, the long-term consequences of having a criminal record can haunt an individual for years to come by preventing them from getting certain jobs, securing certain loans, getting housing, and more. That said, for some, they may be able to clear their criminal record under certain circumstances, which can provide them with the freedom they need to wipe their hands clean and move on with their lives. Please continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Red Bluff criminal lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law to learn about whether you may qualify to have your record cleared and how our firm can help you do it. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What crimes can’t I clear from my criminal record in California?

To start, you should understand that many crimes, especially the ones considered to be particularly heinous in the eyes of the law, may not be cleared from your criminal record. Just some of the crimes ineligible for dismissal in California can include arson, terrorism, rape, murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and capital offenses.

What crimes can I clear from my criminal record in California?

Though many crimes are ineligible for dismissal, there are various circumstances that may allow you to have your criminal record dismissed. To start, if you were convicted of an infraction, as long as you wait one year from conviction, you may apply for dismissal of the infraction from your record. Additionally, if you were granted probation for a felony or misdemeanor charge and completed the terms of your probation, you may also have your record dismissed. You should also note that most misdemeanor convictions (including those an individual is denied probation for) may be dismissed after one year. That said, to qualify for dismissal of any crime, you must not be currently serving a sentence for a criminal case, have any pending charges against you, or be on probation. If you believe you may qualify for dismissal, give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TEHAMA COUNTY FIRM

Here at Cohen Criminal Law, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Our mission is to defend your rights, and we are committed to that mission. We will be your number one advocate through every step of the process. Attorney Cohen has fought on behalf of those charged with crimes and traffic violations for over 30 years, and he is ready to fight for you, too. Contact Cohen Criminal Law today to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm.