Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

sealing criminal record

What are my alternatives to expungement? I was convicted of a felony that was reduced to a misdemeanor and expunged. I understand that I can truthfully answer that I have not been convicted of a felony. However, it stills comes up...with computer and today's technology is can't be hidden. How do I go about having my criminal record sealed? That way I won't have to confront the issue again. The felony related to welfare fraud. I completed probation, community service and restitution. I have served my time and it should not hang over my head forever.


Asked on 8/04/01, 12:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: sealing criminal record

If you're dealing with a governmental agency, then they'll have access to the information. Including information on anyone with your name that maybe missfiled under your name. That's why birth dates are so important. The law in California is that you are not a convicted felon. However, you may be a convicted felon under Federal Statutes, even though you are not under California law.

You've done everything that you can do that I'm aware of. You can truthfully answer that you have never been convicted of a felony in California. Unless you were a juvenile at the time of the conviction, I'm not aware of any way to seal your records.

Lots of luck

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Answered on 8/11/01, 8:21 pm


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