Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

misdemeanor petty theft

I was convicted of misdemeanor petty theft at work(I took money from the cash register). I'm a permanent US resident hoping to get naturalized this coming year. I served the 15 days work release program that was given to me and I have not been in any trouble at all since my conviction in June 1999. I haven't done anything about my case since then...I applied for a job a couple of weeks after my discharge from my previous work and got a job without having any trouble. I'm afraid now that if I apply for a new job that my record will pop up, so I've been stuck with this job for the last five years. I've turned down promotions in fear of what they might find in my background check.I also fear for my US citizenship application. Is there any way I can clean up my record? I just make enough to make ends meet. I just want to move on with my life.I made a mistake and I'm really paying for it dearly.


Asked on 10/19/04, 1:22 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
Arthur Khachatourians Tyler & Wilson

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

You need to expunge your record and give notification to all applicable governmental agencies. Call me, I will tell you what to do - Arthur Khachatourians, ESQ - 323-655-7180.

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Answered on 10/19/04, 2:10 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

If you completed the terms of your probation you can have the record expunged, the Van Nuys courthouse has a form 1203.4 that you can fill out and pay $60 to file. If you did not complete probation without any problems you should consult an attorney. I would first expunge your record under Section 1203.4 and then seek a promotion at your existing job. I would not call your situation to the attention of the immigration authorities, whether or not your criminal conviction is expunged, without consulting an immigration lawyer as it is very possible you may already be subject to deportation for your offense.

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Answered on 10/19/04, 2:11 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

YEs, you can seek to have it expunged by an application and motion to the court, if you successfully completed all terms of probation and have no further arrests. Contact me if interested in doing so.

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Answered on 10/19/04, 2:34 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

You should re-post this question under the Immigration Law heading to find out how your misdemeanor -- whether expunged or not -- will affect your status.

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Answered on 10/19/04, 3:14 pm


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