Requirements for Expungements

Are You Eligible for Criminal Record Expungement?

At the law offices of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Emanuel, in San Jose, California, we help our clients secure a successful future through the expungement of misdemeanor convictions from their criminal record. We strongly believe that a crime should not affect a person's entire life.

Expungements are possible if:

• The crime committed was a misdemeanor or most felonies
• The offender completed all necessary disciplinary actions - including attending any classes or rehabilitation groups required by the court
• The person completed probation successfully (on good behavior)

Even if you do not meet all these requirements, there may still be ways to expunge your criminal record. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers understand the specifics of the expungement process. They know how to convince a judge that he or she should allow the expungement by highlighting your grades, community service or other positive actions since probation.

We strive to ensure that our clients have access to all educational and employment opportunities. Contact us online or call 408-217-0356 today to discuss the possibility of expungement of your criminal record.

Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors

If someone has been convicted of a felony, such as a drug-related offense, it may be possible to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor and and eventually have it expunged from their record. This can often be accomplished through plea bargaining or negotiations with the prosecution. Even if a person has been convicted of a felony, it is usually possible to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor after probation. However, reduction to a misdemeanor charge is not possible for homicide/murder, some sex crimes or some other violent crimes or the more serious drug charges.

Advantages of Expungements

Once the expungement is granted, you are officially free from the constraints of your criminal past. Potential employers, credit reporting agencies and private investigators will not be able to find the crime on your record, and if they do, they cannot legally use it against you. Government agencies and seeking licensing from State agencies (except the DMV), however, can be an exception to this rule. Call us for more information.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Case

To learn more about criminal record expungement from an experienced San Jose defense attorney, contact the law offices of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Emanuel. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, you can rest assured that our attorneys have the knowledge and resources needed to clean up your record.