Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Expungement
I have both a juvenile and adult record that I would like to get expunged, So that I may join the National Guard. Having these records is making it hard for me since most of the charges on my aduilt record were dismissed. Please help me. Thank-you..
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Expungement
My office would be happy to help you with this. Please call us at your earliest convenience.
JDH
Re: Expungement
The best option would be to retain a lawyer. Most criminal defense lawyers handle expungements for a modest fee. You can try to do this yourself by contacting clerks at the courthouses where you were convicted and getting the appropriate forms. However, this does not sound advisable in your situation given that you are talking about multiple offenses. Chances are expungements will be a bit complicated in your case and might require hearings and a little bit of a fight.
You absolutely should expunge your convictions, at least as many as you can. This might help you with the military and will for sure be critical if you ever apply for a job.
Feel free to contact me for further consultation.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.
310.273.1361
www.lentzlawfirm.com
Re: Expungement
Well what are you talking about is an expungement of your criminal convictions. First, in regards to your juvenile record. Generally, a juvenile record is a sealed record. However, there are situations where it is not. If you have such a situation the thing to do is to contact a criminal attorney or an attorney who deals with juvenile criminal matters and have them address the problem. It will be a complicated set of tasks and although it is possible for you to do it yourself the time it will take will make it impracticable. I also believe the military is much more understanding when reviewing juvenile matters. As to your adult record. What you are talking about is called a 1203.4 motion to expunge your record. Depending on your individual situation the process can be simple or difficult. Basically you must do a 1203.4 motion for each and every conviction you have. If one conviction was the result of two charges then two 1203.4 motions will be required. Generally most criminal attorneys will handle these matters at very reasonable prices and if you have a situation where you know what is on your record and what counties they were brought in then the price becomes more reasonable since the attorney does not have to do a lot of investigation work. Call your local bar association and ask for a referral to a criminal attorney. They will supply you with a few names and numbers. Start calling them and see who you like and who you can afford. Good luck
Re: Expungement
Juvy records can probably be sealed, adult records might be expunged. Feel free to contact me to discuss the facts to see if you qualify.
Re: Expungement
I completely understand. Feel free to contact my office to discuss your options.