The attorneys at the Dolan Law Offices are experienced criminal defense lawyers who specialize in helping Californians expunge their criminal records and move forward with their lives positively and productively. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, the expungement of a criminal record in California involves petitioning a California court to re-open the case, set aside a guilty or no-contest (nolo contendere) plea, or factual finding of guilt, and then requesting that the conviction be set aside and the case dismissed. The following is a brief, overview of the expungement process. John Dolan has helped residents of the Coachella Valley expunge their criminal records for several decades.
*Initial meeting with experienced legal counsel
This meeting will cover all details of the case and conviction, as well as any other relevant personal details.
*Analysis of your criminal matter
The details of the criminal matter to be expunged will be analyzed to determine if it is eligible for expungement.
Research applying the law to a client’s specific circumstances
A review of all applicable California laws to ensure that all options to ensure approval of the expungement petition are investigated.
Preparation and filing of paperwork
The Dolan Law Offices will prepare and file, by any required deadlines, all the necessary paperwork required by California law. A petition may also be filed to reduce a charge from a felony to a misdemeanor if applicable.
*Communication with prosecutor’s office handling the case
The Dolan Law Offices will contact the prosecutor as soon as possible after the filing the petition for expungement to gauge whether it will agree to the expungement, and, if not, what needs to be reconciled to change this outcome.
*Attendance at the expungement hearing
Next, John Dolan/an attorney from the Dolan Law Offices will attend the expungement hearing to argue the merits of the expungement. Typically, the petitioner is not required to attend this hearing.
*Follow-up and constant, continual contact with the prosecution until a result
The Dolan Law Offices will follow-up and maintain contact with the prosecutor’s office to work toward a positive outcome and inform the client of any outcome as soon as possible after any determination.
There are alternative forms of recovery available to those accused of a crime in California. It is important to determine their applicability to your criminal matter. John Patrick Dolan has over forty years of experience working to help his clients obtain the best resolution possible when freedom and reputation are at stake. The attorneys at the Dolan Law Offices are experienced in helping California residents clear their criminal records. Call us today at (760) 775-3739 or find out more online here.
