San Francisco Expungement Attorney

Attorney Samuel Geller is an experienced expungement professional ready to help you clean your criminal record. An expungement is the removal of a specific record from both court and FBI records. Individuals who have pled not guilty to a crime and who were not sentenced may request the courts to expunge the record under Penal Code Section 1203.4. Expungement is available for those who have been charged with any type of crime, whether a felony or a misdemeanor.

The California Penal Code Section 1203.4 provides in part:

“Petitioner shall be permitted by the court to withdraw his or her plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere and enter a plea of not guilty; or, if he or she has been convicted after a plea of not guilty, the court shall set aside the verdict of guilty; and, in either case, the court shall thereupon dismiss the accusations or information against the defendant and except as noted below, he or she shall thereafter be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense of which he or she has been convicted.”

Expungement can be a bit complicated, however, making it is imperative that an experienced expungement lawyer handle the process. You’ll need to file a petition for your case to be heard in court. The judge will grant or deny the record expungement.

Mr. Geller will have no problem handling your case and seeing that the complicated process of expungement is much easier, with a gratifying conclusion at the end of the day. With Geller Law, you’ll be assigned an experienced San Francisco expungement attorney who will guide you through the expungement process.\

Understanding the San Francisco Expungement Process

Step 1: Determining Eligibility

Before beginning the expungement process, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Successfully completed probation without violations
• Not currently charged with any criminal offense
• Not serving a sentence for any other offense
• No state prison time served for the conviction

Step 2: Gathering Required Documentation

To proceed with expungement, you’ll need to collect:

• Certified copy of your criminal record from the San Francisco Superior Court
• Proof of successful probation completion
• Court docket or case summary
• Documentation of rehabilitation efforts (employment history, character references, community service)

Step 3: Filing the Petition

The petition process involves several critical components:

• Filing Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal)
• Submitting Form CR-181 (Order for Dismissal)
• Including a detailed declaration explaining why you deserve expungement
• Paying required filing fees or requesting a fee waiver if needed

Step 4: Court Review and Hearing

Once your petition is filed, the process continues with:

• Court review of your petition and supporting documents
• District Attorney notification and potential response
• Scheduling of a hearing date (typically within 4-8 weeks)
• Opportunity to present your case before a judge

Step 5: Post-Hearing Procedures

After the hearing, several steps follow:

• If granted, obtaining certified copies of the expungement order
• Ensuring records are updated with relevant agencies
• Verifying record clearance through background check services
• Understanding remaining obligations and limitations

Throughout this process, having experienced legal representation ensures proper handling of documentation, meeting of deadlines, and effective presentation of your case to the court.

Why Expungement Matters in San Francisco and Beyond

Expungement of your record is essential in San Francisco and beyond. In most cases, when you have a conviction on your record, this can affect employment opportunities and other benefits that one would normally qualify for. Expungement can provide numerous benefits, such as:

• Job Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks on potential employees. Having a criminal record can be a red flag for employers, making it difficult to secure employment. Expungement can help remove this barrier and increase your chances of getting hired.
• Professional Licenses: Certain professions require a clean criminal record, such as healthcare workers, teachers, and lawyers. Expungement can help clear your record and make it easier to obtain or maintain professional licenses.
• Housing: Landlords often conduct background checks on potential tenants. A criminal record can be a barrier to renting an apartment or house, but expungement can help improve your chances of finding housing.
• Firearm Ownership: Having a criminal record can also prevent you from owning a firearm. Expungement can help restore your Second Amendment rights.

If you’re unsure if expungement is the right choice for you, our experienced legal team at Geller Law can provide a free consultation to evaluate your case and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

Get Expert Help from a Trusted Expungement Attorney San Francisco

Don’t navigate this complex legal process alone. Our experienced legal team understands the nuances of California expungement law and can confidently guide you through each step. Contact Geller Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward clearing your record. Call us at 415-212-9326 to schedule your consultation.