At William Smith Rielly we specialize in helping clients clear their criminal records through the California expungement process. We provide end-to-end assistance, including preparing and submitting the necessary legal paperwork, gathering supporting documentation, and ensuring compliance with all court requirements. Our goal is to help you move forward with a clean slate, improving your employment prospects, housing opportunities, and overall peace of mind.

What is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to petition the court to dismiss a prior conviction. If the expungement is granted, the case will be reclassified as "dismissed in the interests of justice," which means that in most situations, you are no longer legally required to disclose the conviction to employers or landlords. While expungement does not erase a conviction entirely, it does provide significant benefits.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in California?

To be eligible for expungement, you must meet the following requirements:

You have completed probation.

• All court-ordered probation terms must have been satisfied, including community service, classes, and fines.

• If you violated probation, you may still be eligible, but the court will consider factors such as the severity of the violation and your overall rehabilitation.

 You have no pending criminal charges.

• If you are currently facing new criminal charges, you must resolve those cases before applying for expungement.

• If you were sentenced to state prison, you were released more than two years ago.

What Expungement Can Do for You

• Legally state that you have not been convicted of a crime in most job applications.

• Improve eligibility for employment, housing, and professional licenses.

• Restore certain rights and privileges.

• Reduce the stigma associated with having a criminal record.

Steps in the Expungement Process

• Determine eligibility for expungement (use our free tool to find out if you’re eligible)

• Gather documents including personal statement, character letters, proof of employment, evidence of classes or rehabilitation

• File Form CR-180 with the court

• Schedule the hearing. We will represent you at the hearing. Most likely, you do not need to attend.

• Confirm records have been updated to reflect the expungement.

Documents we’ll submit with your application:

• Certificates of Completion for rehab, therapy, drug/alcohol programs, or anger management

• Letters of Recommendation from employers, community leaders, religious figures, mentors, or probation officers.

• Proof of employment 

• Educational Records (GED, diploma, college transcripts, or proof of vocational training).

• Community Service Records (documentation of any volunteer work or service).

• Character Reference Letters (friends, family, or others vouching for your character and positive changes).

• Personal Statement describing how you have changed since your conviction

• Form CR-180

Not all of these are documents are required. We will work with you to create the right documents for your case. 

How We Can Help

At William Smith Rielly, we guide you through every step of the expungement process, including:

• Case Review: We analyze your record to determine your eligibility.

• Legal Documentation: We prepare and submit all required court filings.

• Court Representation: We represent you in court hearings if necessary.

• Follow-Up Services: We ensure that records are updated properly after expungement.

Call us now at 831-223-0002 to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment.