Santa Ana Expungement Attorney

Getting Your Case Dismissed

Expunging your criminal record may help you regain certain freedoms that were limited by your conviction. Whether you were found guilty by a judge or jury, entered a guilty plea or plead "no contest" to the charges you faced, when your record is expunged this is set aside and your case is dismissed.

The process begins by meeting with a proven Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer from our firm to find out if you qualify. In order to be eligible, you must have successfully completed your probation. Also, you cannot be on probation or currently serving a sentence for a crime or be charged with a criminal offense. If you have violated your probation, there may still be a way that we can get your criminal record expunged.

Having served as an Orange County Deputy District Attorney for 18 years, Mr. Schaffer has intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it operates. This experience is put to good use in designing criminal defenses based on the knowledge of how crimes are prosecuted and what is needed to prevail on your behalf. Our service extends as well to guiding individuals through the process needed to expunge their criminal records.

How Expungement Can Help

Expunging your files can help in obtaining employment and certain state professional licenses. You will be able to truthfully say, "No" if you are asked if you have a criminal record. It can also prevent expunged convictions from being used to impeach your credibility as witness in court. Expungement can be done for juvenile crimes, with the exception of offenses like robbery, child molestation or murder. In specific cases, part of the expungement process may be to petition the court to reduce a felony down to a misdemeanor. This may be of assistance in immigration matters where a felony would bar permanent residency.

Once we review your case and determine your eligibility, we undertake legal research to make certain that the law is correctly applied in your individual case. Next, the required paperwork is filed at the appropriate times so that all necessary parties have the information. Finally, we attend your expungement hearing towards obtaining the end result of an expunged record and a fresh start in your life.

Contact a Santa Ana expungement attorney from our firm to find out how your criminal record can be dismissed.