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Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Expunged?
If you have a domestic violence conviction on your record, the words “background check” likely leave you feeling anxious and concerned. Will your past charge hurt your chances of getting a new job? How will you disclose to your potential new employer that you have a DV conviction?
Luckily, in the state of California, there are options available for removing domestic violence offenses from your permanent record.
What Does ‘Expungement’ Mean?
To have a conviction expunged means to have your conviction sealed or erased. Expunged records will no longer show up on a background check and are no longer publicly available.
Domestic Violence Cases Eligible for Expungement
In California, misdemeanor domestic violence convictions are eligible for expungement. You may also qualify for an expungement if you did not spend any time in state prison.
Felony charges of any kind are not eligible for expungement. However, if you have been convicted of felony domestic violence, you still have options. In 2014, California passed Proposition 47, which made some nonviolent felony convictions eligible to be reduced to misdemeanors.
In order to begin working toward a reduction, you must have successfully completed all aspects of your punishment — including:
- No outstanding fines
- Completed your jail time
- Completed your probation
As long as you meet the criteria listed above, you can begin the process of getting your charge reduced to a misdemeanor.
If successful, that will then grant you the opportunity to seek record expungement.
Benefits of Expungement
The consequences of having a domestic violence conviction on your criminal record make an expungement incredibly valuable and worth the effort.
Expunged records will not show up on background checks, which will help you:
- Obtain employment
- Be eligible for professional licenses
- Get housing assistance
- Keep immigration benefits
- Maintain peace of mind knowing you have a clear record
An expungement can help you reach your goals after a domestic violence conviction. It can also help you get closure from your past.
If you are considering having your record expunged, contact our Orange County criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Randy Collins today. We are proud to say we have a 100% success rate for expungements. Schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys to go over your case and determine your next steps.