Criminal Record Expungement in La Palma, California: Clear Your Record. Clear Your Future.
If you’ve been held back by a past mistake, a criminal record doesn’t have to define your future. California law allows many individuals to clean up their records through expungement, giving them a second chance at employment, housing, education, and peace of mind. At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we help clients in La Palma navigate the expungement process with clarity, care, and results-driven advocacy.
Whether you were convicted of a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony, Ms. Michelle Choe can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through every step of clearing your criminal record.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that dismisses a prior conviction from your public criminal record. If granted, the sentence will appear as “dismissed” when background checks are conducted, and you will no longer be required to disclose it to most employers or landlords.
An expungement does not erase a record, but it significantly reduces its impact and offers meaningful benefits for many areas of life.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement in California?
You may be eligible for expungement if:
- You were convicted of a misdemeanor or certain non-violent felonies.
- You completed probation (or received early termination)
- You are not currently facing new criminal charges.
- You did not serve time in state prison for that offense (unless prison time would now be served in county jail under realignment laws)
Even if you were previously denied expungement, recent changes in California law may now make you eligible. Ms. Choe will personally review your case and determine the best path forward for you.
Benefits of Expungement
- Employment opportunities: You can legally answer “No” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime (with some exceptions).
- Professional licensing: Improve your chances of obtaining or renewing licenses for careers in healthcare, law, education, real estate, and more.
- Housing applications: Landlords are less likely to deny your application based on convictions that have been dismissed.
- Peace of mind: Leave the past behind and move forward with a fresh start.
- Personal Empowerment: Take control of your narrative and future.
Why Choose Michelle Choe for Your Expungement Case
Ms. Choe has a deep understanding of California criminal law, and she focuses her criminal defense practice on non-violent and drug-related offenses, the types of cases most often eligible for expungement. She offers tailored, detail-oriented representation to ensure nothing is overlooked in your petition.
Born in Seoul and fluent in Korean, Ms. Choe is particularly dedicated to assisting Korean-speaking individuals in La Palma who may be unfamiliar with their rights or hesitant to seek legal assistance. She will take the time to explain the process clearly and respectfully in your preferred language.
How the Expungement Process Works
- Case Review: Ms. Choe will review your conviction, sentence, and probation record to confirm eligibility.
- Petition Preparation: All court forms and filings will be prepared with accuracy and professionalism on your behalf.
- Filing and Court Hearing: Ms. Choe will submit your expungement petition and represent you in court if a hearing is required.
- Final Order: If granted, your conviction will be dismissed, and the record will reflect that you were acquitted.
The process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court's schedule and the complexity of your case.
Don’t Let a Past Conviction Hold You Back
You’ve done your time, fulfilled your obligations, and learned from your mistakes. You deserve a real second chance, and expungement may be the key to unlocking it.
If you're in La Palma or the surrounding area and want to find out if you're eligible for expungement, contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe today for a confidential consultation. Ms. Choe will guide you through the process, explain your rights, and advocate for a clean slate.
한국어 상담 가능 – 전과기록 말소를 통해 새 출발을 원하신다면 지금 미셸 최 변호사에게 문의하세요.
