Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Expunging dismissed charges from your record

About seven years ago I was arrested when a girlfriend I was living with was found to have drugs on her. She admitted the drugs in her purse were hers and the charges were dismissed against me. I recently applied for a job in the health care field and was told they couldn't hire me because the charges were dismissed NOT expunged. How do I go about having the charges expunged?


Asked on 10/15/08, 1:26 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Expunging dismissed charges from your record

If the charges were dismissed and you were never convicted, expungement does not apply. You petition the court to expunge a conviction - accordingly, there is nothing to expunge if there is no conviction.

I would obtain a certified minute order/docket sheet from the court showing that you were never convicted and charges against you were dismissed. Then you can take it up with you employer to show them they made a mistake.

Hope this helps,

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 10/15/08, 4:27 pm
James Obecian law office san diego

Re: Expunging dismissed charges from your record

IT requires a petition and a hearing. Contact me directly.

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Answered on 10/15/08, 8:50 pm
Daniel J. Mangan III JuryTrialJustice

Re: Expunging dismissed charges from your record

Echoing the others as to what is up with this employer...seems they don't know the law...California prohibits employment discrimination based upon mere arrests/charges w/o convictions???? You could pursue an 851.8 factual innocence petition to seal the arrest record. DJM

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Answered on 10/15/08, 10:54 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Expunging dismissed charges from your record

Something doesn't add up here. Only convictions can be expunged. If the charges against you were dismissed, then you were not convicted. Without a conviction there is nothing to expunge. Dismissed charges should not be an obstacle to getting a job. Is there more to the story?

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Answered on 10/15/08, 2:29 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Expunging dismissed charges from your record

Expungement IS retroactive dismissal. What you stated is not consistent or making sense. If you weren't convicted, there is nothing to expunge. If you were convicted, and expunged, there is nothing more to do.

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Answered on 10/15/08, 3:31 pm


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