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California Sex Crimes Expungement and Record Clearing
California sex crimes expungement provides opportunities for individuals with past convictions to clear their criminal records and rebuild their lives. Our Los Angeles expungement attorney has helped over 500 clients successfully expunge sex offense convictions throughout California.
While California expungement law places restrictions on serious sex crimes, many convictions may be eligible for relief under Penal Code 1203.4 and related statutes. Our experienced team evaluates each case individually to determine available options for record clearing.
500+
Expungements Granted
85%
Success Rate
15+
Years Experience
58
California Counties Served
Benefits of California Sex Crimes Expungement
- Employment opportunities – Eliminates barriers to most private sector jobs
- Housing applications – Improves prospects for rental and mortgage approvals
- Professional licensing – May restore eligibility for certain licenses
- Educational opportunities – Removes barriers to college admission and financial aid
- Personal peace of mind – Freedom from past conviction stigma
- Truthful denial – Legal ability to deny conviction in most circumstances
California Expungement Law for Sex Crimes
California Penal Code 1203.4 provides the primary mechanism for expunging criminal convictions, though sex crimes face specific restrictions and requirements.
Penal Code 1203.4 Expungement
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PC 1203.4 expungement in California, defendants must:
- Complete probation successfully – Including all terms and conditions
- Pay all fines and restitution – Financial obligations must be satisfied
- Complete community service – All court-ordered service requirements
- Maintain clean record – No new criminal violations during probation
- Not be serving sentence – Currently on parole or serving time
Sex Crimes Restrictions
California law restricts expungement for certain sex offenses:
- PC 261.5(d) – Statutory rape of minor under 16 by adult over 21
- PC 286(c) – Sodomy with minor under 16 by adult over 21
- PC 287(c) – Oral copulation with minor under 16 by adult over 21
- PC 288 – Lewd acts with child under 14
- Serious violent felonies – Per California Penal Code 1192.7
Expungement Process
The California expungement process involves:
- Eligibility determination – Reviewing conviction and sentence details
- Petition preparation – Drafting comprehensive legal documents
- Court filing – Submitting petition in original conviction court
- Prosecution response – District attorney review and potential opposition
- Court hearing – Judge consideration of expungement request
- Order entry – Official expungement if granted
Alternative Relief Options
Certificate of Rehabilitation
California Certificate of Rehabilitation provides limited relief for serious felonies:
- Automatic pardon application – Triggers governor’s pardon consideration
- Public declaration – Official rehabilitation recognition
- Employment assistance – Helps with licensing and employment
- Residence eligibility – May help with housing applications
Governor’s Pardon
California gubernatorial pardons provide comprehensive relief:
- Full restoration of rights – Voting, jury service, gun ownership
- Employment protection – Significant assistance with job applications
- Professional licensing – May restore eligibility for various licenses
- Immigration relief – Can prevent deportation consequences
Factual Innocence (PC 851.8)
Factual innocence petitions for wrongfully convicted individuals:
- Complete record destruction – Arrest and conviction records sealed
- DNA database removal – Genetic profiles destroyed
- Law enforcement notification – Agencies notified of innocence finding
- Civil liability protection – May support civil rights lawsuits
Determining Eligibility for California Sex Crimes Expungement
Our California expungement attorneys conduct comprehensive eligibility analysis to determine available relief options for each client’s specific situation.
Misdemeanor Sex Crimes
Commonly Expungeable Misdemeanor Sex Offenses
- PC 243.4(e)(1) – Misdemeanor sexual battery
- PC 314 – Indecent exposure (misdemeanor)
- PC 647.6 – Annoying or molesting children (misdemeanor)
- PC 647(a) – Lewd conduct in public
- PC 415(2) – Offensive language with sexual content
Requirements for Misdemeanor Expungement
- Successful probation completion – All terms satisfied
- No subsequent violations – Clean record during probation
- Financial obligations met – Fines and restitution paid
- One-year waiting period – From conviction or probation completion
Felony Sex Crimes
Potentially Expungeable Felony Sex Offenses
- PC 243.4 – Sexual battery (felony with probation)
- PC 261.5 – Statutory rape (certain circumstances)
- PC 314 – Indecent exposure (felony with probation)
- PC 647.6 – Child annoyance (felony with probation)
- Reduced charges – Felonies reduced to misdemeanors
Felony Expungement Requirements
- Probation sentence – Cannot have served state prison time
- Successful completion – All probation terms satisfied
- Court discretion – Judge determines if expungement serves justice
- Clean record – No new felony convictions
Restricted and Ineligible Offenses
Generally Ineligible Sex Crimes
- PC 261 – Rape (most circumstances)
- PC 269 – Aggravated sexual assault of child
- PC 288(a) – Lewd acts with child under 14
- PC 288.5 – Continuous sexual abuse of child
- PC 289 – Forcible sexual penetration
- State prison sentences – Crimes requiring state prison time
Alternative Relief for Ineligible Cases
- Certificate of Rehabilitation – For serious felonies
- Governor’s pardon – Comprehensive relief option
- Factual innocence – For wrongful convictions
- Proposition 47 reduction – Eligible felony reductions
California Sex Crimes Expungement Process
Our experienced Los Angeles expungement attorneys guide clients through every step of the complex California expungement process.
Step 1: Case Evaluation and Eligibility Analysis
Comprehensive Record Review
Our analysis includes:
- Conviction details – Specific charges and sentence terms
- Probation compliance – Verification of successful completion
- Financial obligations – Outstanding fines or restitution
- Subsequent violations – New charges or probation violations
- Court records – Complete case file review
Legal Research and Strategy
We determine the best approach through:
- Statute analysis – Applicable expungement laws
- Case law research – Relevant judicial decisions
- Local court practices – Specific courthouse procedures
- Success probability – Realistic outcome assessment
Step 2: Petition Preparation and Filing
Document Preparation
Comprehensive petition documents include:
- CR-180 Petition – Official expungement request form
- Supporting declarations – Client rehabilitation evidence
- Character references – Letters from employers and community
- Achievement documentation – Education, employment, volunteer work
- Legal memorandum – Argument for expungement relief
Court Filing and Service
Proper filing procedures include:
- Original court filing – Petition filed in conviction court
- District Attorney service – Copy served on prosecutor
- Filing fee payment – Court costs and administrative fees
- Hearing scheduling – Court date assignment
Step 3: Prosecution Response and Opposition
District Attorney Review
Prosecutors evaluate petitions based on:
- Original offense severity – Nature and circumstances of crime
- Public safety concerns – Risk assessment considerations
- Victim impact – Input from original case victims
- Rehabilitation evidence – Client’s post-conviction behavior
Addressing Opposition
When prosecutors oppose expungement:
- Response brief preparation – Legal arguments addressing concerns
- Additional evidence – Supplemental rehabilitation documentation
- Expert testimony – Professional opinions on rehabilitation
- Negotiation opportunities – Potential compromise solutions
Step 4: Court Hearing and Decision
Hearing Preparation
We prepare clients for court through:
- Testimony practice – Client preparation for questioning
- Evidence organization – Presentation of rehabilitation proof
- Legal argument development – Persuasive advocacy for relief
- Witness coordination – Character witnesses when beneficial
Court Appearance
Hearing procedures typically include:
- Legal argument presentation – Attorney advocacy for expungement
- Prosecution response – District attorney position statement
- Client testimony – Personal statement when appropriate
- Judicial decision – Judge’s ruling on petition
Los Angeles County Sex Crimes Expungement
Los Angeles County processes more expungement petitions than any other California county, requiring specialized knowledge of local procedures and judicial preferences.
LA County Superior Court Locations
Downtown Los Angeles Superior Court
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Handles expungement petitions for central LA convictions including downtown, Hollywood, and surrounding areas.
Beverly Hills Superior Court
Beverly Hills Courthouse
9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Processes expungements for Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and westside community convictions.
Van Nuys Superior Court
Van Nuys East Courthouse
14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Serves San Fernando Valley expungement petitions with experienced judge assignments.
Santa Monica Superior Court
Santa Monica Courthouse
1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Handles beach community expungements with generally favorable judicial attitudes.
Pasadena Superior Court
Pasadena Courthouse
300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Processes San Gabriel Valley expungements with streamlined procedures.
LA County Expungement Statistics
Recent Approval Rates
- Misdemeanor sex crimes – 75% approval rate
- Felony sex crimes with probation – 60% approval rate
- Contested petitions – 45% approval rate
- First-time petitioners – 80% approval rate
Processing Timeframes
- Uncontested petitions – 3-4 months average
- Contested petitions – 5-7 months average
- Complex cases – 8-12 months possible
- Emergency petitions – 30-60 days when available
Benefits of California Sex Crimes Expungement
California expungement provides significant benefits that help clients rebuild their lives and move beyond past mistakes.
Employment Opportunities
Private Sector Employment
Expungement helps with employment by:
- Background check improvement – Most private employers won’t see expunged convictions
- Legal denial rights – Can legally deny conviction in most circumstances
- Professional advancement – Removes barriers to promotions and leadership roles
- Industry access – Opens previously restricted career fields
Professional Licensing
Expungement may help restore:
- Business licenses – Professional services and contracting
- Financial services – Insurance and securities licensing
- Real estate licenses – Sales and broker certifications
- Healthcare positions – Limited restoration for certain roles
Housing and Living Arrangements
Rental Applications
Expungement improves housing prospects through:
- Landlord background checks – Most won’t reveal expunged convictions
- Application honesty – Legal ability to deny criminal history
- Premium housing access – Eligibility for better neighborhoods
- Co-signer alternatives – Reduced need for additional guarantees
Home Ownership
Mortgage and home buying benefits include:
- Loan qualification – Improved credit and background profile
- Interest rate benefits – Better loan terms and conditions
- Insurance availability – Access to homeowner’s insurance
- Neighborhood choice – Freedom from residence restrictions
Educational and Personal Development
Higher Education Access
Educational benefits include:
- College admissions – Removal of criminal history barriers
- Financial aid eligibility – Access to grants and student loans
- Professional programs – Eligibility for graduate and professional schools
- Study abroad opportunities – International program participation
Volunteer and Community Involvement
Community participation benefits:
- Volunteer opportunities – Access to community service roles
- Religious participation – Full involvement in faith communities
- Civic engagement – Jury service and political participation
- Youth mentoring – Opportunities to help young people
Limitations of California Sex Crimes Expungement
While California expungement provides significant benefits, understanding limitations helps set realistic expectations for clients.
Disclosure Requirements
Government Employment
Expunged convictions must still be disclosed for:
- Law enforcement positions – Police, sheriff, corrections officers
- Government security jobs – Federal and state security clearances
- Public education – Teacher and administrator positions
- Healthcare licensing – Medical and nursing board applications
Professional Licensing Boards
Many licensing boards still consider expunged convictions:
- Medical boards – Physician and nursing license applications
- State bar – Attorney licensing and admission
- Financial regulators – Securities and insurance licensing
- Professional engineers – Technical and engineering licenses
Immigration Consequences
Non-Citizen Impacts
Expungement limitations for immigration include:
- Deportation proceedings – Expunged convictions may still count
- Naturalization applications – Must disclose all convictions
- Visa applications – International travel may require disclosure
- Family immigration – Sponsorship applications may consider expunged records
Sex Offender Registration
Registration Requirements
Expungement typically does not affect:
- PC 290 registration – Separate petition required for removal
- Registration duration – Time requirements continue
- Residence restrictions – Geographic limitations remain
- Employment restrictions – Prohibited job categories continue
Alternative Relief Options for Ineligible Cases
When traditional expungement isn’t available, our California record clearing attorneys explore alternative relief options to help clients move forward.
Certificate of Rehabilitation
Eligibility Requirements
- California residency – Five consecutive years minimum
- Rehabilitation demonstration – Evidence of law-abiding lifestyle
- No new convictions – Clean record during residency period
- Community involvement – Positive contributions to society
Benefits of Certificate
- Automatic pardon application – Triggers governor’s review
- Employment assistance – Formal rehabilitation recognition
- Professional licensing help – May influence board decisions
- Character evidence – Official court finding of rehabilitation
Governor’s Pardon
Pardon Application Process
- Eligibility waiting period – Typically 7-10 years post-conviction
- Comprehensive application – Detailed rehabilitation documentation
- Board of Parole review – Initial evaluation and recommendation
- Governor’s decision – Final approval or denial
Pardon Benefits
- Full rights restoration – Voting, jury service, gun ownership
- Employment protection – Significant assistance with job applications
- Professional licensing – May restore eligibility
- Immigration relief – Can prevent deportation consequences
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