Why Should I Get My Record Expunged Under Penal Code 1203.4?

California Penal Code 12o3.4 provides you an opportunity to get your record expunged. A California “expungement” is really a misnomer because to “expunge” means to wipe out or erase. Under Penal Code 1203.4 your record is not erased, but it is cleaned up. A qualified California Expungement Attorney can clarify this distinction for you.

Reason #1 – Getting Your Criminal Records Expunged Improves Your Chances of Employment

If you are in the market for a new job, a Penal Code 1203.4 expungement can help you clean up your criminal record. This is because if you get your criminal records expunged in California you can truthfully answer “no” on an application inquiring whether you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction on your record. The reason is because when you get your record expunged in California you are able to get your conviction dismissed.

Your conviction is dismissed in one of two ways: if you plead guilty to a crime in California, you can withdraw your guilty plea and change it to not guilty and the charge against you is DISMISSED. Once it’s dismissed, you no longer have a conviction. The second way is, if you were found guilty at trial, the conviction will set aside, and the charge against you will be dismissed. You will get the same result: no conviction will remain on your record. Contact a California expungement attorney to get help now.

The exceptions to disclosure rules are if you’re contracting with the CA state lottery, you are applying for state licensure, or if you are applying for public office (in these cases, an expungement won’t protect you from the disclosure requirement).

Reason #2 – Expunging Your Record Means Your Past Conviction Can’t Hurt You Anymore

Penal Code 1203.4 provides that once you get your records expunged, you are “released of all penalties and liabilities” of the offense. This means that your past criminal offense can’t deny you any opportunity, require any more fines, fees or jail time of you, and it will no longer be anything you have to worry about. Often, the court processes are confusing and sometimes you’re not sure if you’re completely “done” with the court for that offense. Once you get a California expungement, you can rest knowing you are done for good with the courts for that offense.

Reason #3 – A Penal Code 1203.4 Expungement Can Help Ease Your Guilty Conscience

Being convicted of a crime can cause psychological injury. You may feel guilty, shame, or dirty because of your criminal record. Once you get an expungement, the conviction is dismissed, and this often brings a feeling of freedom and of a “clean slate.”

Get Help With Your Record Expungement

Attorney Paul J. Denni is a skilled California expungement attorney and can expunge your record quickly and affordably. You can contact him on his website, call at 310-200-4519, or email at paul.socaldefense@gmail.com.