EXPUNGEMENTS AND SEALING RECORDS

Overview

A criminal conviction can follow you long after you’ve served your sentence—limiting your ability to get a job, find housing, secure loans, or obtain a professional license. But in California, you may have options to clean up your record.

At Jones Trial Attorneys, we help clients pursue expungement, record sealing, and other forms of post-conviction relief. We guide you through the legal process, increase your chances of success, and help you move forward with confidence.

What Is Expungement?

In California, an “expungement” under Penal Code § 1203.4 allows you to petition the court to withdraw a guilty or no contest plea, dismiss the case, and legally state that you were not convicted—with some exceptions.

Expungement does not erase your record, but it can help with:

• Employment opportunities
• Professional licensing
• Housing applications
• Personal peace of mind

Eligibility for Expungement

You may qualify for expungement if:

• You were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony (and not sentenced to state prison for that charge)
• You successfully completed probation, or obtained early termination
• You are not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for another offense

Even some felony convictions can be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code § 17(b) and then expunged.

We will review your record and advise you on your options.

What Expungement Can and Can’t Do

✅ An Expungement:

• Dismisses the conviction in most background checks
• Allows you to legally answer “no” to most employment conviction questions
• Shows the court found you rehabilitated
• Can improve eligibility for state licenses

❌ An Expungement Does Not:

• Remove the case from your DOJ (Department of Justice) or FBI record
• Restore firearm rights (unless separately pursued)
• Erase DMV records or reinstate a suspended license
• Eliminate immigration consequences in many cases

We help clients weigh the benefits and limitations of expungement based on their specific goals.

What Is Record Sealing?

Record sealing hides the existence of a record from public view—making it as though it never existed for most purposes. Sealing is available for:

1. Arrests without conviction

Under PC § 851.87, if you were arrested but never charged—or your charges were dismissed—you can petition to seal the arrest.

2. Juvenile records

You may be eligible to seal juvenile court records under Welfare & Institutions Code § 781 once you turn 18 or after the juvenile court’s jurisdiction ends.

3. Diversion programs completed

If you successfully completed a pretrial diversion (mental health, military, drug diversion), you may be eligible to have your arrest sealed.

Other Post-Conviction Relief Options

Proposition 47 Reclassification

Reclassifies certain non-violent felonies as misdemeanors, including theft and drug offenses. Available retroactively.

Proposition 64 Relief (Marijuana)

Reduces, dismisses, or seals prior marijuana-related convictions now legal under California law.

Early Probation Termination

You can petition the court to terminate probation early if you have complied with all terms. Often paired with expungement.

Certificate of Rehabilitation (PC § 4852.01)

For more serious offenses not eligible for expungement, this formal court finding of rehabilitation may help restore civil rights and support a governor’s pardon.

Employment, Licensing & Immigration Benefits

Expungement or record sealing may help:

• Pass background checks
• Obtain state and federal licenses (real estate, nursing, law, etc.)
• Avoid questions about past convictions on job applications
• Improve standing in immigration proceedings (though it may not fully eliminate consequences)

We always advise you to consult with an immigration attorney for non-citizen-specific consequences.

Our Process

We handle the entire process for you:

1. Record Review – We pull your RAP sheet or DOJ record and identify eligible convictions.
2. Strategic Planning – We assess eligibility, timelines, and best forms of relief.
3. Petition Preparation – We prepare all filings and supporting documents.
4. Court Representation – We appear on your behalf and advocate for relief.
5. Results – We notify you of outcome and provide certified copies for your records.

We also help clients pursue multiple forms of relief simultaneously when appropriate.

Why Choose Jones Trial Attorneys?

We don’t just represent you—we help you reclaim your future. Our attorneys are experienced in post-conviction relief and understand how to navigate California’s evolving laws. Whether you’re clearing a misdemeanor or fighting to seal an old felony, we take the time to build the strongest possible petition on your behalf.

Call Now – Free Consultation

You deserve a second chance. Let us help you leave the past behind and move forward.

📞 Call (866) JTA-WINS or contact us online to speak with a record-clearing attorney today.