20 August

How can I get a felony conviction removed from my record?

Ok, I am from CA. I have a felony in my record. Its for Grand Theft. Although I did not steal anything, I was aware of such action(s), therefore I was also charged with Grand Theft. he items at hand were worth probably no more than $500. I believe in the State of CA that is considered a felony. Either way. I was given 3 years probation. It was my first offense. My question is, how can I get it removed, how long do I wait to request to have it removed? This happened a little over a year ago. Would my current situation help me with the matter. The fact that I have not ever received a traffic citation, I have not violated probation. I did community service and volunteered with Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. The fact that I will receive my Bachelors in 6 months. And that I want to pursue a masters. I know only a year has passed since the instance, but I want to know of what I can do, and when can I do it. It really affects when applying for a job. I know its my own fault, I made my decisions, but I have not worked since that happened. It always come down to the background check. I probably got 3 jobs by not informing employers of my felony. And no one took a chance with me when I mentioned it. But it didnt matter because once the employers told me they would love to hire me, then I told them about the conviction, and they said that it would be a problem. People don’t understand why people commit repeated crimes, probably because there is no other alternatives. Can’t understand the mind of a felon, till you become one.

You want to try to do TWO things. First, from your description, it is very possible that this conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor. Second, you want to obtain relief under PC 1203.4 (sometimes called expungement). This site will give you more information:

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/crimlawclean.htm

3 Responses to “How can I get a felony conviction removed from my record?”

  1. cantcu Says:
    August 20th, 2009 at 9:39 am

    Either through a pardon or a sealing of the record by the court. Otherwise it stays on your record.
    References :

  2. Lawn Gnome Says:
    August 20th, 2009 at 9:49 am

    Ask an attorney about expulsion.
    I am not certain that a felony can be expulsed, I am not an attorney and I always tell people with lefal questions to ask an attorney in their state.
    Felony conviction is Federal, so it is for life, Sure some judge can expunge or whatever it in Cali, but you are in the Federal Database as Felon. Is like a ticket I got for doing 135mph in a 65, I beat it, but I still have cops ask me HOW!?
    That ticket was 18 years ago.
    References :

  3. John S Says:
    August 20th, 2009 at 10:16 am

    You want to try to do TWO things. First, from your description, it is very possible that this conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor. Second, you want to obtain relief under PC 1203.4 (sometimes called expungement). This site will give you more information:

    http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/crimlawclean.htm
    References :
    30+ years as a criminal defense attorney

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