Expungements

EXPUNGEMENTS

An individual convicted of a criminal offense may be eligible to have the conviction "expunged" or erased from his or her criminal record.  This is important because a personal background check may uncover a criminal history which could limit an individual's future opportunities.  Having a criminal record may affect:
      v  Applying for a new job

v  Renting a new apartment or home

v  Seeking a professional license

v  Volunteering as a youth sports coach, and

v  Applying for admission to college

An individual convicted of DUI will be placed on three to five years of probation.  Once the probation period has ended, the individual may be eligible to have the conviction “expunged” from his or her criminal record pursuant to Penal Code Section §1203.4.  An “expungement” is a process by which a conviction or plea (of Guilty or No Contest) in a criminal action is set aside and the case is dismissed.  Once this occurs, the individual is no longer convicted of the offense, and his or her criminal record will be changed to show a dismissal rather than a conviction.  In this regard, the individual would not have to disclose a conviction on his or her private employment or personal applications.

The Law Offices of John H. Sommers has a 100% success rate in obtaining expungements for its clients.  Call our office to learn more about your right to clear your criminal record and to have our office file a Petition for Expungement on your behalf.  Once the Petition is filed, the Judge will decide, at a formal court hearing, whether expunging your conviction serves the interest of justice.

MOTION FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF PROBATION 

The Law Offices of John H. Sommers can also bring a written motion to the court requesting an early termination of probation in order to make an individual eligible to file a Petition for Expungement. 

MOTION TO REDUCE A FELONY CONVICTION TO A MISDEMEANOR 

The Law Offices of John H. Sommers can also file a written motion to reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor in order to make an individual eligible to file a Petition for Expungement.