A criminal charge or arrest can follow you long after the case is closed. Even if you have completed probation, paid fines, or were never convicted, having a record can still limit your job opportunities, housing options, and overall peace of mind. In Los Angeles, individuals who qualify may be able to clear their record through expungement or have their arrest record sealed. Both options provide a chance to move forward without the shadow of the past holding you back.
At Perliss Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping clients take advantage of these opportunities for a fresh start. Led by Jonathon Perliss, a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts, our firm combines decades of experience with a personalized, client-focused approach.
We understand how federal law impacts the reporting and sealing of criminal records, including the differences in how long non-convictions and convictions can appear on background checks. Our firm also understands the distinction between expunged or sealed records and their visibility in background screening. If you need an expungement or to seal your record, call us for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles and provide representation in both English and Mandarin, ensuring clear communication at every step of the process.
Expungement is a legal process that allows certain criminal convictions to be dismissed after a person has completed probation or fulfilled the requirements of their sentence. While it does not entirely erase the record, it updates the case to show that it was dismissed, giving you a much stronger position when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.
In California, expungement is governed by Penal Code §1203.4. The California Penal Code, specifically California Penal Code Section 1203.4, provides the legal authority for expungement and outlines the process by which eligible individuals can petition the court to have their conviction set aside.
To qualify for expungement, most people must meet the following requirements, as the law requires these statutory prerequisites to be satisfied:
You must have successfully completed probation without any violations or new criminal charges.
All court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution must be fully paid.
You cannot have any open criminal cases at the time of the petition.
Certain serious crimes, including some sex offenses, do not qualify for expungement.
An expungement provides important benefits, but it is also limited. For example, it will not restore firearm rights or prevent the record from being considered in certain immigration matters. An expunged conviction or prior offense, including felony convictions, can still be used for sentence enhancements or future prosecutions, especially in cases involving repeat offenses. However, it does release you from most penalties associated with the conviction and can be a powerful tool for creating new opportunities.
Determining your eligibility for expungement in California requires a careful review of your criminal history and current legal standing. Generally, you must have completed probation successfully and must not be facing any new criminal charges or serving a sentence for another offense. A Los Angeles expungement lawyer will thoroughly assess your case, examining whether your conviction was for a felony or misdemeanor, and ensuring all legal criteria are met.
If you meet the requirements, your attorney will prepare and file an expungement petition with the court. The judge will then review your case and decide whether to grant the expungement. Each case is unique, and having a knowledgeable legal advocate by your side can make the entire process smoother and more effective. Our Los Angeles expungement attorney is dedicated to helping you understand your options and guiding you through every step of the expungement process in Los Angeles.
An arrest record can create serious challenges even if you were never convicted of a crime. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often see arrest records on background checks, which can cause unfair setbacks. Fortunately, California law allows many people to have their arrest records sealed.
Under Penal Code §851.91, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the court to have the record sealed. Once sealed, the arrest is hidden from most public background checks, meaning it will not appear when you apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Sealed records are hidden from public view, but may still be accessible within the court system under certain legal circumstances.
Key points about record sealing include:
If charges were never filed, were dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to seal the arrest record.
Once sealed, the arrest will no longer be visible to most employers and landlords who perform background checks.
Sealing an arrest record can significantly improve your chances when applying for work, school, or housing.
A judge must review the petition and grant approval before the record is officially sealed. The prosecuting attorney may participate in the hearing process and can oppose the request for record sealing.
Having an arrest record sealed can be life-changing, allowing you to move forward without the stigma of past allegations.An arrest record can create serious challenges even if you were never convicted of a crime. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often see arrest records on background checks, which can cause unfair setbacks. Fortunately, California law allows many people to have their arrest records sealed.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to clearing your record. At Perliss Law Firm, we combine decades of experience with a proven commitment to our clients’ success. Los Angeles expungement lawyers like those at our firm have the expertise and local knowledge necessary to handle expungement cases specific to Los Angeles County.
Here is what sets us apart:
Jonathon Perliss is the co-founder and lead attorney of the firm. He focuses exclusively on criminal defense and has successfully handled hundreds of cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex federal matters. His strategic approach and courtroom skills are invaluable in expungement and record sealing cases.
With more than 30 years of serving clients in Los Angeles County, our firm understands the procedures of local courts and the expectations of judges. This insight helps us move cases forward efficiently and effectively.
We provide representation in both English and Mandarin, ensuring that clients from diverse backgrounds fully understand their options and the process ahead.
We pride ourselves on professionalism, transparency, and personal attention. Unlike most attorneys, we ensure you always have direct communication with an attorney who is dedicated to your success.
By choosing Perliss Law Firm, you gain a legal team with a deep understanding of the Los Angeles legal system that not only understands the law but also cares about helping you take the necessary steps for a fresh start.
Clearing your record through expungement or sealing an arrest can open doors that were previously closed. Both processes provide significant advantages for individuals who want to move forward without the burden of past mistakes or wrongful arrests.
Some of the key benefits include:
Many employers conduct criminal background checks, and a dismissed conviction or sealed arrest can mean fewer barriers to securing meaningful work. Expungement can help individuals obtain gainful employment and improve their prospects with potential employers by preventing past convictions from appearing during background checks.
Landlords often screen tenants by checking criminal records. Clearing your record increases your chances of being approved for housing.
Colleges, universities, and professional training programs may consider criminal records during admissions. Expungement or sealing can strengthen your application.
Many state licensing boards and licensing agencies consider criminal history when reviewing applications. Even after record expungement, licensing agencies may still have access to or consider past offenses, which can impact your ability to qualify for licenses in fields like healthcare, education, and finance.
Removing convictions or sealing arrests helps restore peace of mind and reduces the stigma of a criminal record.
While neither process completely erases your history, both offer meaningful relief that can have a positive impact on your future. Expungement and record sealing help individuals maintain a clean record, and the importance of record expungement cannot be overstated for those seeking to move forward in life.
One of the most significant benefits of expungement is the restoration of certain civil rights that may have been lost due to a criminal conviction. After completing the expungement process, you may regain the right to vote and serve on a jury, which are essential for full participation in society. Additionally, an expunged record can significantly improve your chances with many employers, as a cleared criminal history often removes a major obstacle in the hiring process.
Expungement can also enhance your eligibility for educational opportunities and professional licenses, helping you pursue your goals without the burden of a past conviction. However, it is essential to recognize that expungement does not completely erase your entire criminal history from all state records, and some government agencies or licensing boards may still require disclosure.
Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles expungement attorney ensures you fully understand both the benefits and limitations of expungement, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future. By taking this critical step, you can move forward with confidence and a renewed sense of possibility.
The steps for expungement or record sealing may seem complicated, but with the right attorney, the process becomes much easier to manage. At Perliss Law Firm, we guide you through every stage with careful attention to detail.
Here is how we help:
We review your history, court records, and eligibility to determine whether expungement or record sealing is the right option for you. We also help you gather and organize supporting documents to strengthen your expungement petition.
Our team prepares and files all required legal documents with the court, ensuring that your petition is accurate and complete.
If a hearing is required, we appear on your behalf, presenting arguments that demonstrate why your petition should be granted. The district attorney may object to your petition, and we are prepared to address any concerns raised by the prosecution.
Once the petition is approved, we ensure that your records are updated with the court and background check databases to reflect the change.
It is important to understand the legal fees associated with the expungement process. We provide clear information about costs so you can make informed decisions.
By working with Jonathon Perliss, you gain a dedicated attorney who understands how Los Angeles courts handle these petitions and who will pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf. Having your case expunged can open new opportunities and help you move forward, and our firm is committed to helping you achieve this result.
In most cases, expungement is available only to those who served time in county jail or received probation. However, alternative remedies such as post conviction relief may be available depending on your situation. If you entered a guilty plea, this can affect your eligibility for expungement or post-conviction relief, as certain pleas may need to be withdrawn or reclassified to qualify.
No. Expungement updates the record to show the conviction was dismissed, but the history of the case still exists. The benefit is that most employers and landlords will see the case as dismissed rather than a conviction. There is a distinction between having a criminal record expunged and having a record expunged, especially in cases involving a felony conviction, where expungement can significantly improve employment and housing prospects.
On average, expungement or record sealing can take anywhere from two to six months, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
Yes. In many situations, individuals can petition to clear more than one arrest or conviction, but each case must be reviewed separately to determine eligibility. If your expungement is denied, there may be other legal options available, such as seeking post-conviction relief or exploring alternative remedies with the help of an attorney.
No. Expungement does not restore firearm rights, and immigration courts may still consider the conviction. It is important to discuss these issues with an attorney to understand how your situation may be affected.
Your past does not have to define your future. If you have a conviction or arrest record in Los Angeles, expungement or record sealing may give you the fresh start you deserve. Clearing your record can improve your job prospects, housing opportunities, and overall quality of life.
At Perliss Law Firm, we are committed to helping clients move forward with confidence. With decades of experience and the leadership of Jonathon Perliss, our team provides skilled, bilingual representation for individuals throughout Los Angeles.
Do not wait to take the next step toward clearing your record. Contact Perliss Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your future.
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