Cleaning Up Your Record

There are three different legal methods for cleaning up your criminal record. The first is an Expungement; the second is a Certificate of Rehabilitation; and the third is a Pardon.

An Expungement of a conviction is permitted under Penal Code Section 1203.4 which states that an individual who did not go to state prison for the offense shall have his guilty plea or guilty conviction WITHDRAWN AND THE CASE DISMISSED after the client has successfully finished probation. This is the same for felonies or misdemeanors. However, it should be noted that this procedure does not ERASE the client’s conviction. Although in some cases, were the client to be asked if he was convicted of a crime he could honestly answer “No”, after his conviction is expunged. For a more detailed explanation contact Mr. Bruzzo who has represented many clients on expungement matters. He can be contacted at (714) 547-4636.

A Certificate of Rehabilitation (Penal Code Sections 4852.01 et seq.) is an official recognition by the court that the client has been rehabilitated. It is usually after the conviction has been expunged that a certificate of rehabilitation is sought. In very limited circumstances a certificate of rehabilitation can relieve a person from registering who is required to register as a sex offender. A Certificate of Rehabilitation however, is most effectively used as a means to getting a Pardon granted. Notably, once a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted it becomes an automatic Pardon Application. A Certificate of Rehabilitation has certain time eligibility requirements. Contact Mr. Bruzzo at (714) 547-4636 if you need further information. Usually, a considerable amount of time must have passed without the client committing any crimes and with his being a contributing member of society for a Certificate to be granted.

A Pardon (Penal Code Section 4852.01) is the only way for most felony offenders to have right to bear arms restored. In addition, for most crimes requiring sex registration only a Pardon will permit the person NOT to have to register. However, the Governor and only the Governor (with the help of his legal staff) can decide whether or not you deserve a pardon. The more time that has passed without any new crime and with the client being a contributing member of society will improve the chances of being granted a pardon. Contact Mr. Bruzzo at (714) 547-4636 if you need further information.