What is Expungement? | Why You Should Consider Expunging Your Record

Are you tired of your criminal record holding you back? You may be eligible to file an expungement in West Covina. Expunging a conviction involves asking the court to dismiss the conviction “in the interest of justice.” If the court grants your expungement, the case is dismissed, releasing you from the negative consequences of the conviction. 

Applying for a job will become much easier since you won’t have to list the conviction on most applications, and even though they may see your dismissed charge, employers will look at you in a more favorable light. You’ll have solid proof that you’ve turned your life around, which is helpful if anyone questions your past, such as creditors, employers, or landlords. 

While it is possible to file for expungement on your own, it’s strongly recommended to hire a skilled expungement lawyer. The laws regarding expungement are complex and difficult to navigate without experience. Hiring one of our knowledgeable attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can make expunging your record much easier. We have 40+ years of experience helping clients get their records expunged in West Covina. Begin a new chapter. Call us today for your free expungement consultation. 

Who Is Eligible for Expungement? | Penal Code Section 1203.4

After you’ve completed your jail sentence, we may be able to file for expungement on your behalf in West Covina. California Penal Code Section 1203.4 outlines the eligibility requirements for expungement. You can learn if you’re eligible for expungement by calling our office today. We’ve outlined the eligibility requirements below. 

Completed Probation

You must successfully complete probation and satisfy the following conditions for expungement in West Covina: 

• No pending criminal violations
• Not currently on probation or parole
• Followed court or jail orders 
• Went to all probation appointments
• Paid any fines or restitution
• Finished community service
• Complied with police searches and seizures 
• Completed drug or alcohol rehabilitation 

Situations Where You May Qualify for Expungement

Since California law makes exceptions, consulting with our lawyers will help you quickly determine eligibility. The following circumstances may indicate expungement eligibility in West Covina:

• You were sentenced to jail instead of prison. 
• You were sentenced to prison, but under Proposition 47.1, you would’ve been sentenced to jail. 
• You were convicted of a non-violent crime and were part of the conservation camp’s fire crew through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). (AB 2147)

Our attorney may still be able to help you even if you violated probation. We have over 40 years of experience guiding clients through the California expungement process. We can protect your legal rights and stand by your side at your expungement hearing. For your free consultation, contact us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL.

Who is NOT Eligible for Expungement? | PC 1203.4

If the court sentenced you to prison, this might mean you are not eligible for expungement. However, our attorneys know the exceptions to this rule. So call our office today to find out if your case falls into that category. 

California prohibits the expungement of  certain crimes, including: 

• Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 & defendant over 21 years old – PC 261.5(d)
• Sodomy of with minor under 14 – PC 286(c)
• Lewd and lascivious acts with a minor – PC 288
• Oral copulation with a minor – PC 288a(c)
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child – PC 288.5
• Forcible sexual penetration with a minor under 14 – PC 289(j)
• Felony possession of child pornography - PC 311
• Failing to stop for an inspection – Vehicle Code section 42002.1
• Any violations of Vehicle Code section 42001

Note: If your case involves any of the above convictions, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich may still be able to help you. We might be able to file a Governor’s Pardon under Penal Code section 1203.4(g), which would also provide proof of your rehabilitation if successful. This documentation can stand as proof of your progress and can help restore your credibility with others. Contact us today for more information about clearing your record. 

When Can I Petition to Have My Record Expunged? 

• After successfully completing your probation, your attorney can file for an expungement on your behalf. We can also file for expungement if the court ended your probation early according to California Penal Code section 1203.3
• If you weren’t on probation for your misdemeanor or infraction, there’s a waiting period of one year from the judgment date to file for expungement. 

Hiring Wallin & Klarich to handle your expungement significantly increases your chances of success. We know the most effective strategies to win your expungement hearing. For straightforward advice, contact us today for your free consultation. 

The Expungement Process | What You Need to Do

Step 1: Hire an Attorney

First, you should hire a West Covina attorney with expungement experience. With over 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich has some of the most knowledgeable attorneys when it comes to expungement cases. We can examine your case and determine the best strategy for success. In addition to this, we can advise you on what to expect and the steps you can take to help your case. If you don’t have money saved up for a lawyer, we offer payment options, so you don’t have to delay hiring a skilled attorney. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Call us today for more information. 

Step 2: Complete Forms

No one wants to spend hours filling out paperwork that they don’t understand. Expungement requires a great deal of paperwork. Besides the standard documents, the court may require additional forms if you are trying to reduce a felony or get released from probation. 

With our expertise, you won’t have to stress over paperwork. We’ll fill out all the paperwork on your behalf and ensure everything is submitted on time. Your attorney will also answer all your questions to help you understand what’s going on and why. When you choose Wallin & Klarich, you can rest assured we do everything in our power to help win your expungement hearing so that you can clear your record!

Step 3: File for Expungement

Deadlines are extremely important when filing for expungement. Sadly, some lawyers may not pay close attention, which can lead to the court denying your expungement. Our attorneys live up to our responsibilities. We know how important this is for your future. You can rest assured we’ll file everything before the deadline. Your Wallin & Klarich attorney will be dedicated to your success, providing the one-on-one attention you deserve. Call us today and get started with a free consultation. 

Step 4: Preparing for Court

Your expungement hearing requires serious preparation. Filing the paperwork is not enough to ensure success. The court can request proof of your successful rehabilitation. Since we have decades of experience, we can review your case and determine weaknesses that we need to address with additional documentation. For example, if you’ve received recent charges or a probation violation, we need to account for those. The following evidence may help your attorneys convince the court to grant your expungement: 

• Transcripts from college
• Records of career training
• Work history
• Records of charity work 
• Letters from officials such as charity administrators, employers, probation officers, clergy, etc. 
• Proof of counseling or rehab programs

What Happens If Your Expungement Is Denied? 

It’s important to remember that we will not give up if the court refuses to grant your expungement. We will figure out the reason for the judge’s denial. Then, we’ll work to address any issues and refile. If you’ve recently been denied, you should contact our office to consult with our attorneys as well. When we commit to your case, our goal is to help you clear your record. Contact us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL to discuss how we can help you with expungement in West Covina.

Hiring A Skilled Expungement Attorney | How We Can Assist You

Serious accusations require a skilled and experienced defense attorney. With 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich stands out among the crowd of West Covina criminal defense firms. Our attorneys have won many expungement cases, and we understand the most effective strategies to achieve success at your hearing. You should consider many factors when choosing a West Covina expungement lawyer. However, four key characteristics set us apart, including:

1. Loyal Advocates
2. Skilled Negotiators
3. Solid Record for 40+ Years 
4. Specialized Legal Knowledge

Your Loyal Advocates | The Wallin & Klarich Difference 

Loyalty is hard to find. Unfortunately, many law firms treat clients like case numbers rather than real people. At Wallin & Klarich, we believe you deserve respect and dedication. But we don’t just say it; we show it through our devotion to your success and our interactions with you. Our attorneys promptly address all your concerns because we never want you to feel dismissed or unheard. Rest assured, our communication with you will always be straightforward and genuine. With Wallin & Klarich at your side, you can walk into court confident that we have your best interests in mind. Moreover, we’ll be prepared to put up our strongest fight. 

Skilled Negotiators | 40+ Years of Success

Wallin & Klarich has a history of success spanning 40+ years. We’ve obtained the best possible results in complex expungement cases, helping many clients clear their records after successfully turning their lives around. Their stories stand as a testament to our skilled legal negotiation. But, more importantly, they renew our motivation to help others clear their records in West Covina. Our passion for helping clients has not wavered in over four decades and counting. Discover how our skilled negotiators can help you achieve a fresh start in West Covina, CA. Contact us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with an experienced, local defense attorney!

When you need help, we will be here.