Bakersfield Expungement Attorney
Clearing Your Criminal Record in Kern County
If you’ve been convicted for a crime, you may have already felt the consequences in your everyday life. Having an arrest record can affect your ability to obtain loans, seek financial aid, obtain a job or professional license, and even rent a space to live. You may think that nothing can be done to clean your record, but this may not actually be true. In some cases, our dedicated lawyers at Humphrey & Thompson can help you seek a fresh start.
Though there is no true expungement process in California, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or destroyed or your conviction dismissed. Though California Labor Code section 432.7 states that an employer cannot inquire about any arrest that did not end in a conviction and they cannot hold any arrest against you in a decision to hire or fire you, having your record sealed, destroyed, or dismissed may offer you freedoms when it comes to housing and financial matters, as well as in enjoying certain rights and freedoms.
For more information, contact our Bakersfield expungement lawyers. Call (661) 327-1360 to discuss your legal options.
Expunction Eligibility
Sealing or destroying your arrest or criminal record may be available in a variety of circumstances. These include:
- When no formal accusation was filed with the court
- When the charges were dismissed
- When you were acquitted
- When the conviction was set aside based on your innocence
- When you’ve successfully completed a pre-filing diversion program or drug diversion program
- If you were under 18 years of age and were convicted for a misdemeanor
In addition, you made be able to request that your DNA sample is destroyed and removed from the DOJ’s DNA and Forensic Identification Database if you have not committed an offense that would qualify you to be included in the database.
You may also request that your conviction be dismissed if you were convicted for some misdemeanor offenses and have completed probation or were never given probation, or if you were convicted of a “wobbler,” a crime that could lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction, and have completed probation or a jail or prison sentence.
Your eligibility for record sealing or dismissal will depend on a variety of factors and the circumstances of your arrest and conviction. Humphrey & Thompson will take the time to fully understand the details of your case and discuss all of your legal options before pursuing the course of action best suited to your needs.
Why Sealing Your Record Is Important
Your arrest record can haunt your reputation, showing up in background checks and used by federal, state, and local agencies. Anyone who looks into your past can view your convictions, and this information may be used against you when it comes to housing, schooling, professional licensing, and more. City and district attorneys, police and sheriffs, bonds agencies, and even the FBI may use your arrest record for any number of reasons.
Your record is public and may also be viewed by anyone with an internet connection and your information. Sealing or destroying your arrest record may also mean protecting your privacy.
Our Bakersfield Expungement Lawyer Can Help
If you are interested in sealing your arrest or criminal record, we strongly recommend reaching out to our office to schedule a consultation. Humphrey & Thompson are available when you need them. They will answer your questions and concerns and help you find a legal solution customized to your unique needs.
Humphrey & Thompson has the experience and dedication to assist you. We proudly serve the arrested and accused throughout Kern County.
Call (661) 327-1360 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
