Can a White-Collar Crime Be Expunged from My Record?

Being arrested can leave a permanent stain on your record, even if no charges were ever filed against you. This can pose serious issues, as future employers can see an arrest on your record and may deny you the job. However, if you were involved in white-collar crimes, you may wonder whether you can have your record expunged, helping to move past the incident. Keep reading to understand the process and learn how a Tehama County white-collar crimes lawyer can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Can I Have a White-Collar Crime Expunged in California?

The first thing you should understand is that in California, there is no such thing as expungement. Instead, certain crimes are “dismissed.” That said, many crimes do not qualify for dismissal, including violent felonies. However, certain white-collar crimes are eligible, meaning you can try to have them removed from your permanent record.

Generally, crimes that are expunged are completely destroyed from all locations. This includes physical papers as well as digital documents. However, if your record is dismissed, it means the court will reopen the case, change your sentence to a not-guilty plea and dismiss the case. This is almost as good as expungement since it will prevent most employers, landlords, and credit agencies from seeing your record unless they are a government entity with specialized clearance.

What Are the Requirements?

Generally, there are qualifications you must meet in order to have a crime removed from your record. Typically, this includes waiting a predetermined period of time before petitioning the court. Additionally, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and were granted probation and completed the terms of your probation, you may have your record dismissed. If you were convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and have waited at least one year from the date you were convicted, you may also have your record dismissed. Anyone looking to qualify for dismissal must also not be on probation or serving a sentence for any other criminal case. You must also not have any pending criminal charges against you.

Though it seems simple, ensuring you have the help of a competent white-collar crime attorney to guide you through the expungement process is essential. Cohen Criminal Law is ready to represent you and help clear your record. Don’t wait until it’s too late to give us a call.