Los Angeles Criminal Attorney for Misdemeanor Expungements

Expunging a misdemeanor conviction in California can offer you a fresh start, helping to remove barriers to employment, housing, and other life opportunities. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors may petition the court to have their conviction dismissed. This process involves working with a Los Angeles expungement attorney to withdraw a guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the court set aside the conviction.

Eligibility for misdemeanor expungement includes:

  • Successful completion of probation or early termination of probation.
  • No current criminal charges pending.
  • No time served in state prison (only jail time for misdemeanor offenses).

At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we help clients navigate the misdemeanor expungement process. Since 2003, Attorney Arash Hashemi has provided expert legal counsel, carefully reviewing each client’s eligibility, preparing the necessary documentation, and advocating for their rights in court. Our firm is dedicated to helping you clear your misdemeanor record and move forward with confidence.

If you’re ready to expunge your misdemeanor conviction and take the next step toward a fresh start, let us handle the details while you focus on your future. To speak with Attorney Arash Hashemi and our legal team today, contact our office at (310) 448-1529. You can also schedule a 15-minute consultation with our misdemeanor expungement attorney by using our secure online scheduling system. During your consultation, Attorney Hashemi will discuss your case in detail and guide you through each step of the expungement process.

    Name

    Email

    Phone

    Message

    Who is Eligible for Misdemeanor Expungement?

    First, you must have completed all sentencing requirements. This includes serving jail time, paying fines, completing probation, and finishing any court-ordered programs such as community service or counseling. If you were on probation, you must have successfully completed it or obtained an early termination from the court.

    Secondly, you must not currently be facing any criminal charges or serving a sentence for any other offense. Additionally, certain misdemeanors, such as serious sex offenses involving minors, are not eligible for expungement under California law.

    It’s also important to note that while an expungement can remove the conviction from your public record, it does not erase it entirely. Law enforcement and court personnel will still have access to your full criminal history. Furthermore, if you are seeking employment in certain sensitive fields, such as law enforcement or public office, you may still need to disclose your expunged conviction.

    To initiate the process, you or your attorney will file a petition for dismissal with the court. This is usually done in the county where you were convicted. Once the court receives your petition, a hearing date may be set. During this hearing, you must demonstrate to the court that you have complied with all court orders and that granting the expungement serves the interest of justice.

    If the court grants your petition, the judge will issue an order to expunge your record. This order directs all relevant criminal justice agencies to update their records, which can take several months to complete. It’s advisable to follow up and confirm that your record has been updated.

    Legal Process for Misdemeanor Expungement

    1. Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation with our criminal defense attorney. During this meeting, we will review your case details, determine your eligibility for expungement, and explain the potential benefits of having your record cleared.
    2. Review and Gather Information: Our attorney will obtain and review your criminal record, ensuring all necessary documentation is collected. This includes court records, proof of sentence completion, and any other relevant information.
    3. Filing the Petition: We will prepare and file the Petition for Dismissal on your behalf. This crucial step involves detailed paperwork that our team will handle meticulously to ensure accuracy and compliance with California law.
    4. Court Proceedings: If a court hearing is required, your attorney will represent you, presenting a compelling case to the judge on why your misdemeanor should be expunged. We will argue for your rehabilitation and demonstrate how expungement serves the interest of justice.
    5. Order for Dismissal: Once the judge grants your expungement, an Order for Dismissal is issued. This order instructs all relevant agencies to update their records, effectively removing the misdemeanor from your public criminal record.
    6. Follow-Up: Our team will follow up to ensure all agencies have updated their records. This may take a few months, and we will keep you informed throughout the process.
    7. Future Implications: After expungement, your record will reflect the dismissal of your misdemeanor, making it easier to pass background checks for employment, housing, and other opportunities.

    How Our Attorney Simplifies the Expungement Process

    Our attorney begins with a comprehensive initial consultation to assess your eligibility for expungement. We explain the expungement process in detail, answer any questions, and provide a clear understanding of what to expect. Ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and complete is crucial for a successful expungement. We assist in gathering and preparing all required documents, meticulously reviewing them to avoid any errors or omissions that could delay or hinder your petition. Filing a petition involves managing a significant amount of paperwork and adhering to strict deadlines. Our attorney handles the entire filing process, ensuring that your petition is submitted correctly and on time to the appropriate court.

    If a court hearing is required, our attorney represents you, providing a strong defense against any objections and advocating vigorously for your expungement. We present your case effectively, highlighting your rehabilitation and compliance with court orders. After the expungement is granted, our team follows up to ensure all agencies have updated their records. We keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring that your expungement is fully processed and reflected in your record.

    Contact a Los Angeles Misdemeanor Expungement Attorney Today

    Don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Attorney Arash Hashemi has extensive experience in misdemeanor expungement and is dedicated to providing professional and effective legal representation. We understand how a misdemeanor conviction can impact your employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Our goal is to help you clear your record, so you can move forward with your life without the burden of a past conviction.

    Schedule Your Consultation Today

    Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We offer flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail to discuss your case.