Monterey Expungement Lawyers

Helping Our Clients Put Criminal Records Behind Them and Move On

There are currently over 5 million Americans being overseen by United States correctional systems. This includes individuals who are incarcerated or in the public on probation or parole. There are another 79 million Americans — at a minimum — who have found themselves caught up in the system in the past. For locals who fall into this group, a Monterey expungement lawyer may be able to assist.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our legal team has seen the damage that a criminal conviction can cause. Those who have been charged and convicted can have trouble securing housing, employment, higher education, and more. Fortunately, a California expungement can effectively erase this record — and this means you can start taking your life back. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Does an Expungement Erase a Criminal Record in California?

There is often a significant amount of misunderstanding regarding expungement law in California. Unfortunately, this is sometimes true even among prosecutors and judges — as evidenced by the fact that some decisions are overturned on appeal. However, a Monterey expungement lawyer will explain to you that your record isn’t “erased” — but it certainly may appear that way.

An expungement in California allows a person to withdraw their plea or guilty verdict. In its place, a “not guilty” plea is entered. If approved, the courts will dismiss the case and set the conviction aside. In most cases, this means no one will ever be able to see your criminal record. However, it will still be accessible to police and by certain organizations (e.g., the state lottery during employment verification).

However, you’ll honestly be able to answer “no” in most cases when someone asks if you’ve been convicted. This can make it easier to secure housing, employment, and even professional licenses. The Monterey expungement attorneys at the Law Offices of William V. Pernik are here to help. Contact us today.

What Is the California Expungement Process?

Expunging a misdemeanor or felony record in California starts with determining eligibility. A person typically qualifies if they completed all terms of their probation and are not currently facing criminal charges or serving a sentence for a crime. The individual must also not have served a sentence in state jail — or they wouldn’t serve one if convicted today due to California’s realignment law.

Some crimes are not eligible to be expunged, but you should not make assumptions about your case. A Monterey expungement lawyer can give you a more definitive answer. Once eligibility is determined, it’s necessary to fill out the pepper forms, submit them to the courts, and attend the relevant hearing. If your request is denied, it’s possible to refile in six months. However, doing so without legal assistance may be a waste of time.

What If Your California Expungement Is Denied?

Since expungement denials are commonplace in California — especially among those who don’t work with an attorney — it’s important to understand your options. Reapplying to expunge your records is a straightforward solution, but it’s not your only recourse. In fact, it’s possible that you may need to do nothing. Thanks to the passage of SB 731, some records are sealed automatically. However, you shouldn’t just assume that this will happen.

Working with a Monterey expungement attorney will help you understand the process for clearing your criminal record. If expungement isn’t an option — perhaps because you don’t qualify — you may still be eligible for other legal remedies. For instance, you might be able to secure a Certificate of Rehabilitation, sentence commutation, or even a governor’s pardon. These processes can be complex, but a criminal defense lawyer can guide you through them.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for each of our clients. In a best-case scenario, this means we’re able to work with them to avoid a conviction in its entirety. However, this is not always possible. If you already have a criminal record and are hoping to avoid lasting consequences, our law firm may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation.

Do You Need an Attorney to Expunge a Criminal Record in California?

It’s not uncommon for California courts to deny expungements. In some cases, these denials are wrongful. However, you’re unlikely to secure a better result if you refile without changing anything. Whether this is your first attempt to expunge a record or you’re trying to appeal a previous denial, this is why it’s important to have an attorney on your side. The sad fact is that the expungement process is difficult.

While you’re not required to hire a Monterey expungement lawyer, failure to do so can prove damaging. For instance, did you know that those convicted of felony charges will need to have their conviction downgraded to a misdemeanor? Did you know that prosecutors often raise inappropriate objections to expungement proceedings? Put simply, there’s nothing simple about expunging a California criminal record.

That’s why you can likely benefit from working with a Monterey expungement attorney. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Contact a Monterey Expungement Lawyer Today

Criminal charges and convictions can derail a person’s life. In some states, it’s nearly impossible to escape a criminal record. Fortunately, the California legislature at one time realized that anyone can make mistakes. Everyone deserves another chance, and if you meet the criteria for an expungement in California, an experienced legal professional can guide you through the process.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our criminal defense attorneys strive to help our clients avoid convictions. However, a criminal record doesn’t have to be the end of the story. We’ll review your case, determine if you’re eligible to expunge your record, and take care of all the legal requirements so you can focus on getting your life back on track. Let our Monterey expungement lawyers assist.

Contact us at (831) 480-9217 to schedule your free consultation.