California Criminal Expungements

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A criminal conviction can affect employment, housing, licensing, and future opportunities. California offers several forms of post-conviction relief—most commonly expungement—to help people move forward. 

At The Law Office of Lincoln Ho'o, I assist clients throughout the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County with clearing their record and restoring opportunities.

An expungement under Penal Code §1203.4 allows you to withdraw a guilty plea (or set aside a verdict after trial) and have the case dismissed. While it does not erase the record, it shows employers and agencies that the conviction has been dismissed.

You may qualify if:

• You completed probation
   
• You were convicted of a misdemeanor or eligible felony
   
• You did not serve state prison time (with some exceptions)
   
• You are not currently on probation or facing new charges
   

Probation violations do not automatically disqualify you.

• Changes the conviction to “dismissed”
   
• Helps with employment and licensing
   
• Demonstrates rehabilitation
   

• Restore firearm rights
   
• Seal the record
   
• Remove federal access to the case
   
• End sex offender registration
   

Certain felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors. This may:

• Improve eligibility for expungement
   
• Restore certain civil rights
   
• Improve employment outcomes
   

Often, I file a 17(b) reduction together with an expungement petition.

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is available for individuals who cannot expunge their conviction or who served state prison time. A COR:

• Shows strong rehabilitation
   
• Acts as an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon
   
• Helps with licensing and other opportunities
   

A Governor’s Pardon is the highest form of post-conviction relief and may restore rights that an expungement cannot. A pardon:

• May restore firearm rights (depending on the case)
   
• Can relieve certain registration requirements
   
• Recognizes exceptional rehabilitation
   

I handle the entire process, including:

• Eligibility review
   
• Obtaining court records
   
• Preparing petitions and declarations
   
• Appearing in court if required
   

Many cases can be completed without you ever needing to appear.

I regularly handle expungements and post-conviction relief in:

• San Bernardino County
   
• Riverside County
   
• Courts throughout the Inland Empire
   

Local familiarity ensures petitions are filed accurately and efficiently.

If you’re ready to clean up your record, I can help you understand your options and take the next steps.