Felony Reduction and Expungement In California
After a judgment imposing a punishment other than imprisonment in state prison, California Penal Code section 17(b) gives the Court discretion to reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor.
If you have fulfilled the conditions of your probation for the entire period, or been discharged prior to the termination of your probation, California law entitles you to seek a reduction of your felony conviction to a misdemeanor and the right to petition the Court to withdraw your guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere and enter a plea of not guilty pursuant section 1203.4 of the California Penal Code.
Even if you were found guilty by a jury after a plea of not guilty, the Court has the discretion, in either case, to set aside the verdict of guilty, enter a plea of not guilty and dismiss the charges against you in the interest of justice.
WHAT CAN REDUCTION AND EXPUNGEMENT OF A FELONY DO FOR ME?
Reduction of a Felony in California to a Misdemeanor allows you to answer no to questions regarding whether you were ever convicted of a felony on various types of applications. It allows you to seek to have firearm rights restored, participate in jury duty, seek state licensure that was previously unavailable, etc..
Of equal importance, once reduced, Expungement of the conviction in California opens the door to seek California State Certifications, Student Loans, and Housing Assistance. It also helps you overcome background checks associated with apartment and house rental applications.
There is nothing worse than losing an employment opportunity for that dream job because of a minor blemish on your record when the employer conducts a criminal background check.
There is nothing worse than being unable to fulfill your goals of entering a professional field (Medical, Real Estate, Contracting, Government or State Agencies) after years of education because you can't enter an internship, externship or pass a state licensing exam because of a decade old blemish on your record revealed by a background check.
Why even take the chance! You have worked too hard and come too far to let your past mistakes deny you the opportunity to provide a better life for you and your family. Here is an affordable way to overcome those obstacles and move forward with your career without fail or worry. You can take those steps to obtain closure of your past mistakes today by taking a few moments to determine your eligibility, provide some information, and make your payment. The relief you will receive is priceless.
ARE THERE ANY COURT FILING OR ADMINISTRATIVE FEES?
You may be required to reimburse the Court an Administrative fee for the costs incurred in processing each petition. (These fees range between $0 and $120 dollars depending on which California Court). See Filing Fee Directory for exact fees for your specific County.
Indigent defendants may apply for a fee waiver by filing an Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs combined with an Order on Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs. CHC prepares and processes Fee Waiver Applications for $20 dollars.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?
Just fill out the application form and submit your application. You can make your payment right now with any major credit card or Paypal, or one of our staff will follow up with you to help answer your questions and help you complete the process. If you have Court documents in your possession, you can fax or email them to our office which allows us to expedite your document preparation and submission even faster.
