An expungement is a legal process that allows certain individuals to have a past criminal conviction dismissed from their record. In California, this typically means that the court reopens the case, withdraws the guilty or no contest plea, enters a not guilty plea, and dismisses the case. While an expungement does not completely erase the conviction from every government record, it can significantly improve how the conviction appears in background checks and may help with employment, housing, licensing, and other opportunities.
Expungement can be especially valuable for individuals who have completed probation and want to move forward without a past mistake continuing to limit their future. However, not every conviction qualifies, and the process can depend on the charge, sentence, probation status, and other factors. At Simmons & Wagner, Former Orange County District Attorneys, our defense team can review your case, explain your options, and help determine whether you may be eligible for expungement in Orange County.