San Diego, California: Criminal Record Expungement
Keith H. Rutman, Attorney at Law
Toll-Free: 888-714-6354 | Local: 619-573-4988
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You may have thought you were through with the criminal justice system. You were arrested but never charged, or you were convicted and served your sentence.
However, you may have recently found out that both your arrest record and your conviction records are public records accessible to employers and landlords, as well as anyone else interested in your background.
It is possible, in many cases, to seal your criminal arrest and conviction record. This process is also called criminal record expungement, and it requires a formal application to the court, as well as to the police department in some cases. In some circumstances you can even get the court to declare you factually innocent.
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Handling Criminal Record Expungement
Since 1989, I have practiced criminal defense law in San Diego County. I have advanced knowledge of the rules and procedures involved in criminal record expungement and I am available to help clients with criminal record expungement for a reasonable flat fee, plus expenses.
Expungement of an arrest: If you were arrested but charges were never filed, then I will petition the police department on your behalf for a declaration of factual innocence. If the police refuse to provide the declaration, then I will petition the court to make a declaration of factual innocence over the objection of the police. Once you receive the declaration of factual innocence, then that arrest is sealed and no longer available to the public. This process usually takes about a month, and I handle these cases for a flat fee, plus expenses.
Expungement of a conviction: Expungement of a criminal record usually occurs after you have successfully completed all the terms of your sentence — usually after completion of probation. I will make a formal petition to the court requesting expungement of your criminal record, and I must submit a criminal records check to demonstrate that you are not facing new criminal charges. Most — but not all — convictions can be expunged, and the process takes about a month. I handle expungement cases for a flat fee, plus expenses. If you are granted an expungement of a felony, it does not automatically mean you can own, posses or control a firearm. Nor are you auto relieved of all penalties, except as provided by law, including the vehicle code. Furthermore, you will be required to disclose the conviction in response to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for public office, or for licensure by any state or local agency, or for contracting with the California State Lottery. You should also consider whether the conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor, which will relieve you of many penalties that a felony carries.
Contact Keith H. Rutman, Attorney at Law
I offer all new clients a free and confidential half-hour consultation, either in person or by telephone. During that consultation, I will advise you on which arrests and convictions are eligible for expungement, and I will explain the process in more detail.
To schedule an appointment, call toll-free, 888-714-6354, or 619-573-4988. Or, send an e-mail for a prompt response.
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