criminal record

Published on: September 8, 2014

Benefits of Obtaining a Dismissal

In this series about cleaning up your criminal record in California, we have covered details about what a criminal record really means, how to obtain your own criminal history record, how to have your records dismissed or sealed and destroyed, and options for getting your convictions dismissed entirely. Now let’s see how a dismissal can help you.

Can a dismissal help you get a job or a license?

Depending on whether an employer is private or public, having your records dismissed can make a big difference.

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Published on: September 1, 2014

Options for Getting Convictions Dismissed

by Law Office of Dan Koukol

In this series, we’ve defined criminal records and discussed the importance of knowing your criminal record history and destroying criminal records. Today we will discuss options for getting convictions dismissed.

Fortunately, there are several ways to have convictions completely dismissed from your record. These include reducing your felony to a misdemeanor, expungement, diversion, and marijuana charge erasure. These methods are explained below.

Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor

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Published on: July 28, 2014

Sealing and Destroying California Arrest Records

by Law Office of Dan Koukol

In the first posts in this series, we have discussed the definition of a criminal record and how to obtain your criminal record history. Today we will learn about sealing and destroying arrest records.

There are several circumstances in which records of your arrest or detention may be completely sealed and destroyed. Having your records ordered sealed and destroyed makes sure all law enforcement agencies and courts will seal you records and, after three years, destroy them. Once ordered sealed and destroyed, you need not indicate that you were ever arrested of the offenses.¹

Reasons records may be sealed and destroyed

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Published on: July 21, 2014

Knowing Your California Criminal History

by Law Office of Dan Koukol

In our last post, we discussed the definition of a criminal record and the importance of understanding a criminal record when it comes to entering a plea.

Today we are discussing the importance of knowing your criminal record history. Jail will pass, but your record will haunt you for the rest of your life. Here is how to obtain your criminal history, so you know what you’re working with.

Order of Judgment

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Published on: July 14, 2014

Cleaning up your California Criminal Record

by Law Office of Dan Koukol

In the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a series about avoiding and cleaning up your California criminal record. First we will discuss the definition of a criminal record, and why having one can impact your life beyond the conviction.

What is a criminal record?

Your criminal record is more than just a record of your convictions. It also contains the information related to your identification and criminal history, including your name, date of birth, physical description, fingerprints, photographs, date of arrests, arresting agencies, booking numbers, charges, dispositions, and other similar data¹.

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