Expungement Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
Clearing Criminal Records Throughout California
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
Clearing Criminal Records Throughout California
Do you wish that robbery charge from three decades ago would disappear from your criminal record? You're not alone. Many people do stupid things in their younger days and live to regret it. The good news is that you may qualify for expungement.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement erases an arrest or conviction in the eyes of the law. Although law enforcement agencies can still see the charge, potential employers and anyone else accessing a background report on you won't be able to see it.
You won't have to disclose your prior misdemeanor or felony on applications, during job interviews, or when applying for a home or a loan.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement?
In California, expungement is available to those charged with misdemeanors or felonies who have completed probation.
Can I Own a Gun With an Expunged Felony in California?
In California, you cannot own a gun with an expunged felony. You must wait for 10 years to restore your gun rights even if you have your conviction sealed or expunged. The way to get this lifted is to have a court order from a judge. A judge can only grant this court order if you are currently an employee of the state of California and your job requires you to own or possess a firearm. Both state and federal prevent you from owning a firearm if your offense was a felony conviction.
Since many offenses in California can be reduced to a misdemeanor, they are known as "wobblers," If your offense was a wobbler turned into a misdemeanor, you can have your firearm rights restored. A misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence can prevent you from owning a firearm. The Lautenberg Amendment says that anyone convicted of a crime that meets the federal definition of misdemeanor domestic violence has a lifetime probation from owning a firearm.
Do Misdemeanors Go Away in California?
No, misdemeanors are not automatically expunged in California. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you must file a petition with the court to have the conviction expunged from your record. As mentioned earlier, the expungement process typically requires you to complete your sentence and any probationary period, and then file the appropriate paperwork with the court.
Additionally, not all misdemeanors are eligible for expungement in California. Certain crimes, such as sex offenses and domestic violence, are not eligible for expungement. It's important to consult with a criminal defense attorney or a legal aid organization to determine if your misdemeanor is eligible for expungement and to assist you with the process.
Who is Not Eligible for Expungement in California?
Expungement Is Not an Option for Those Who:
- Have served a sentence in a state prison
- Have been convicted of sex crimes against children
- Are currently charged with an offense
- Are on probation for an offense
- Are currently serving time for an offense
Contact Our Expungement Attorney Today
When you remove a misdemeanor or felony from your criminal record, your life is no longer restricted. You can apply for jobs and apartments without having to deal with that mark on your record. If you came to America as an immigrant, expungement can keep you from being deported. You can move on with your life with more freedom.
The Law Office of Jonathan Gonzales can help with the process. Our Sacramento expungement lawyer will evaluate your criminal history to see if you meet the requirements. Then our team will conduct some research, fill out the appropriate paperwork, and attend your hearing.
Serving Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense practice serves clients throughout:
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Sacramento
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Stockton
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Sacramento County
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Placer County
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Northern California
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Roseville
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Antioch
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Concord
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El Dorado County
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Yolo County
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Solano County
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San Joaquin County
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Sutter County
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Yuba County
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Vacaville
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Fairfield
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Elk Grove
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Folsom
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Citrus Heights
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Rancho Cordova
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Fair Oaks
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Carmichael
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Arden-Arcade
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Modesto
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Davis
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Woodland
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West Sacramento
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Auburn
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Rocklin
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Lincoln
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Granite Bay
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El Dorado Hills
Contact Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Team
Don't face criminal charges alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXPUNGEMENT
Generally, you qualify for expungement in California if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or certain felonies, completed probation (or obtained early termination), and did not serve time in state prison (or would have served in county jail under current law). Some offenses, like certain sex crimes, are not eligible. Eligibility is outlined in California Penal Code § 1203.4.
The process usually takes anywhere from 2 to 5 months, depending on the court’s backlog, the complexity of your case, and whether the District Attorney objects. Hiring an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
No. An expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 dismisses the conviction and updates your record to show the case was dismissed, but it does not erase it entirely. The conviction can still be used against you in certain situations, such as sex offender registration or applying for some government jobs, but for most private employment, landlords, and licensing boards, you can legally say you have no conviction.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
