You’ve done everything you were supposed to do, probation is over or is getting close to being there, but the conviction is still on your record. It’s a problem everyone who is convicted faces. Misdemeanor or felony convictions can make their effects felt on your life long after the original case is gone. Job applications, professional licenses, records searches, having that conviction lingering around can be a blight on your otherwise clean life. Fortunately, there is a way to address it: the expungement.
Contrary to its name, an expungement in California doesn’t actually get rid of the case; instead, it functions as a form of dismissal. The conviction still existed, but because it was dismissed, you can now honestly report on most job applications that you have not been convicted of a misdemeanor. If a records check is run, it would show the case, but it would also show that it was dismissed by the expungement.
Some people consider the end of probation to be the final step to resolving a case. For many, however, seeking an expungement can make life much easier in the long run. They’re possible to do yourself, but they take time, are fairly technical, and require a degree of knowledge about the specifics of how the courts generally handle them. This is why it is useful to speak with a lawyer about them. We can shoulder the burden of work, advise you about your options, and, in some cases, even get the matter expunged before you’re formally off probation.
If seeking an expungement appeals to you, you are welcome to contact me to discuss your options.