Can Domestic Violence Charges be Expunged in California?

Posted on: September 15th, 2022 by Dod Law

Domestic Violence Charges

Can domestic violence charges be expunged in California? A domestic violence conviction is a serious criminal matter and can flip your life upside down. Not only is domestic violence punished harshly in California, but convicted individuals often continue to face the consequences long after they serve their sentence. Those convicted often wonder if there is some way to erase the charge from their criminal record. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, a skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to help you request an expungement.

At Dod Law APC, our attorneys have 18 years of experience serving our clients in California and helping them achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. We are committed to working tirelessly to help our clients move their lives forward after a criminal conviction. When you work with Attorney Dod, you can trust him to leave no stone unturned as he investigates your case and defends your rights.

How Can I Expunge My Domestic Violence Charges?

While an expungement does not pardon or absolve a convicted individual of any wrongdoing, it can remove a criminal record from public view. In other words, your employer or landlord would not see it if they accessed your criminal record, but it would still be viewable by law enforcement. Typically, most misdemeanor charges are eligible for expungement. However, the court will not allow an expungement under certain exacerbating circumstances such as repeat offenses or parole violations. Additionally, your expungement may be denied if you are on parole or probation for another offense.

It is also essential to note that not all domestic violence convictions can be expunged, including felony-level offenses. Many domestic violence charges are considered “wobblers” under California law. In other words, it is up to the prosecutor to decide whether to charge the defendant with a felony or misdemeanor offense. If aggravating factors such as bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon apply to a case, the defendant will likely be charged with a felony offense. However, if your attorney can reduce your charges to the misdemeanor level, your conviction may still be eligible for expungement.

How Can Attorney Dod Help Me with My Expungement?

Domestic violence expungements can be incredibly complex and challenging to handle on your own. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can review every detail of your case to determine if you may qualify for an expungement. They will then file a motion with the court and build a solid case to argue why you need an expungement at a hearing before a judge.

If you wish to seek an expungement, it is imperative to meet with an attorney and start the process as soon as possible. If your conviction occurred recently, the legal process might take anywhere from 90-120 days. However, older charges may take considerably longer. Your attorney can help you determine the best course of action to start the expungement process and get your life back on track.

Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney at Dod Law, APC

A domestic violence conviction can affect every area of your life and your ability to secure necessities, employment, housing, and loans. If you were convicted on domestic violence charges in California, you might be eligible to have your criminal record expunged and removed from public view. If you are considering seeking an expungement in California, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Attorney Dod of Dod Law, APC has a proven track record of successfully protecting his client’s rights and helping them get back on their feet after a criminal conviction. When you retain his services, you can rest assured that your case is in caring and capable hands. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (619) 814-5110 or complete our contact form.

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