One of the best ways to determine if you’re eligible for an expungement of your felony offense in California is to first understand who is not eligible. For example, if you are currently serving time for a felony offense, you will not be able to get an expungement. Even if you are on probation for the felony offense, you cannot have it expunged at this time. Prior criminal charges and convictions can prevent you from expunging your record as well.
Eligibility for Expunging a Felony from Your Record
Under Penal Code 1203.4 PC, defendants who have been convicted of misdemeanors or felonies and have successfully completed their probation or parole can have their records expunged. It is important to note, however, that expungement is not possible if the sentence included time in state prison.
You can be eligible to have your criminal record expunged if you meet the following criteria:
- You have successfully completed the terms of your probation or parole
- You have not received any further criminal charges
- If you completed your probation early, you must have documentation outlining the early termination of your probation
To qualify for the successful completion of your probation, you must:
- Attend all court appearances
- Not commit any new crimes
- Pay all fines and restitution
- Complete any recommended counseling programs
- Perform all required community service
Some crimes cannot be expunged from your record, even after the sentence has been served, and probation completed. Your attorney can help you determine what crimes cannot be expunged.
Benefits of Expunging a Felony from Your Record
Expunged offenders no longer have to identify themselves as felons on employment applications. This also means a restoration of Second Amendment rights, the ability to keep or recover certain professional licenses, and the ability to hold onto scholarships and other financial aid benefits.
A successful felony expungement could also mean the ability to clear background checks. It would be as if the felony conviction had never occurred.
Getting Out of Jail After a Felony Arrest
If you or a loved one has been arrested and detained in jail, then the possibility of expungement is several steps ahead of you. What’s immediately necessary is seeding if a bail bond company can help you get a quick release from jail, and get out of jail on the most affordable terms possible.
For example, to ensure that you don’t spend more time in jail that you have to, most bail bond companies offer payment plans. Using a bail bond company can be the best way to set up a plan that work for you and the court. A bail bondsman can get you out of jail and back home to your family as soon as possible. Using a bail bond service rather than posting your own funds has many advantages.
Find out how Dan Nesser of Dan's Bail Bonds can help you or a loved one get released from jail quickly. Call (888) 773-8037 day or night for bail bond help.