Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

expungement of record

I would like to know if it is possible to get my record(s) expunged now or anytime in the near future. I have been clean & sober since Jan. 2000 and now work in the recovery field as a certified substance abuse counselor. My first arrest (and only) in Mendocino County (CA) in Sept. 1981 and the last one occured in May 1999 (Sonoma County, CA) with several arrests/incarcerations/prison terms in between. Almost all of them were for Petty Theft w/Prior and later prior prison term was added. If it is possible to do something I would like to know how and where to start. I plan to begin taking classes again and attain my AA (to start) and eventually, possibly broaden my horizons in the work field. I currently work for the program I went through. I began as a driver, then administrative assistant, entry level counselor, certified counselor and am currently the Women's Services Director at our site for native american women w/children. We are a residential treatment facility (six to twelve months to complete). If someone could please give me some advise it would certainly be appreciated. Thanks for listening.


Asked on 6/07/07, 11:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: expungement of record

It may be possible to convince each of the courts to expunge your records. That would mean the convictions are retroactively shown as dismissed for the record, allowing you to say 'no' to conviction on job applications. However, convictions with prison time sentenced or served are not eligible. The other convictions probably are eligible with the right facts and arguments. Feel free to contact me to discuss the situation, I do these frequently for people trying to get a 'clean start' for employment.

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Answered on 6/08/07, 1:03 pm


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