MANHATTAN BEACH EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER

Many people ask themselves these questions when their criminal record is hindering their ability to move forward with their lives or get a job:  “I have an old conviction, how can I get it off my record?”; or, “What is an expungement?”; or “How do I clear my record?”  The worst thing a person can attempt to do is try to navigate or answer these questions themselves.  The answer is simple, however—contact us now! Our Manhattan Beach expungement lawyer, Pat Carey, can have the paperwork for your dismissal filed today, and you will be on your way to a clean record free of any criminal convictions.

Many people try to handle expungements themselves.  The only problem: they fail time after time. When someone walks into court with a lawyer like Pat Carey, who has a reputation in Manhattan Beach and the surrounding areas, the chances of having your case dismissed instantly go up. Pat Carey likely personally knows the prosecutor who will be making the decision whether or not to object to your expungement. Do the smart thing—contact our office now to get the process going.

When we take on a case as an expungement lawyer in Manhattan Beach, we prepare you for every step, from gathering old case numbers to signing the declarations that tell the judge your story. Many records from the Torrance Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts that serve Manhattan Beach are years or even decades old, and tracking them down can be confusing if you have never dealt with the system. We guide you through that process, help you avoid common filing mistakes, and appear in court for you whenever possible so that you do not have to stand in front of the judge alone.

Don't let your past hold you back from your next big opportunity. Speak with an expungement attorney in Manhattan Beach today. Our firm is available 24/7 and our led counsel is a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online now to discuss your record.

Understanding Expungement Laws in California

In California, what is commonly referred to as "expungement" is legally known as a dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. It is important to clarify that California does not "erase" a record in the sense of shredding the documents; rather, it changes the nature of the conviction. When an expungement is granted, the court allows you to withdraw your plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), enters a plea of "not guilty," and then dismisses the case.

The legal landscape has shifted significantly with the implementation of the California Clean Slate Act (SB 731). While many misdemeanors and some felonies are now eligible for "automatic" relief after a specific waiting period, these automated processes are often slow and lack the legal certainty of a court-ordered dismissal. Furthermore, more serious cases—including those that resulted in state prison time—still require a proactive petition. 

An expungement attorney in Manhattan Beach can determine which of the following statutes applies to your specific situation:

1. PC 1203.4: For cases where probation was granted and successfully completed.
2. PC 1203.4a: For misdemeanor or infraction cases where probation was never granted.
3. PC 1203.41 & 1203.42: For individuals who served time in county jail under "realignment" or state prison for specific eligible felonies.
4. PC 17(b): A critical tool we use to first reduce "wobbler" felonies to misdemeanors before seeking a final dismissal.

How the Expungement Process Works in Manhattan Beach

People often feel stuck because they do not know what to expect from the expungement process or how long it will take. We walk you through each step so that there are no surprises and you can plan around work, family, or school obligations. Cases that originated in or around Manhattan Beach are usually handled through the Torrance Courthouse, which has its own filing procedures and timelines that we take into account from the beginning. Understanding this process can make the entire experience less stressful and helps you make informed decisions about your future.

The first step is gathering information about your prior case, including the case number, the charges, and the outcome, which we can often confirm through Los Angeles County court records. From there, we determine whether you meet the basic requirements under California law, such as completion of probation and payment of all fines and restitution. Once we are confident that you are eligible, we prepare the necessary paperwork, including declarations that explain your progress since the conviction and why the court should grant relief.

After the paperwork is filed with the court that handled your original case, a hearing date may be set where a judge decides whether to grant the request. In some situations, the prosecutor may file an objection, and we respond in writing and in court to address those concerns. At the hearing, the judge may ask questions about your employment, education, or community involvement, and we make sure you are prepared to answer clearly and honestly. When the expungement is granted, we provide you with copies of the order so you can present it to potential employers, licensing boards, and anyone else who needs to see that your case was dismissed.

Benefits and Limits of an Expungement in California

The primary goal of hiring a Manhattan Beach expungement lawyer is to remove the "disabilities and penalties" associated with a conviction. 

Once your petition is granted, the benefits are substantial:

1. Private Employment: Under California’s Fair Chance Act and Labor Code, most private employers can no longer ask about or consider a conviction that has been dismissed under PC 1203.4. You can legally answer "No" if asked if you have a criminal conviction.
2. Housing Applications: Landlords using standard background checks will see a "Dismissed" status, which significantly improves your chances of securing a lease.
3. Professional Credibility: It demonstrates to the world and to yourself that the legal system has formally recognized your rehabilitation.

However, there are limitations. An expungement does not:

1. Restore firearm rights (this often requires a separate process or a 17(b) reduction).
2. End the requirement to register as a sex offender.
3. Prevent the conviction from being used as a "prior" if you are charged with a new crime in the future.
4. Automatically clear records for immigration purposes (federal law does not always recognize state-level dismissals).

Even with these limits, many clients find that an expungement gives them renewed confidence when filling out applications or answering questions about their past. We focus on putting you in the best possible position to discuss your record honestly while also showing that a court has recognized your efforts to move forward. When you understand both the benefits and the boundaries of an expungement, you can use this relief effectively instead of being caught off guard by remaining restrictions. Our goal is to help you turn a difficult chapter into a stepping stone rather than a permanent barrier.

Our Specialist Approach to Record Clearance

Why settle for a general practitioner when you can hire a specialist? The Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey offers a level of expertise that few firms can match. Being branded by the State Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist means Patrick Carey has undergone rigorous testing, peer review, and demonstrated a high level of proficiency in criminal law.

We don't just "fill out forms." We build a narrative of your life since the incident. We understand that in Manhattan Beach, your reputation is your currency. Whether you are a corporate executive, a healthcare professional, or a student just starting out, we tailor our approach to your specific career goals. We are available 24/7 because we know that the anxiety of a background check doesn't stick to business hours.

Take the first step toward a clean slate. Contact a Manhattan Beach expungement lawyer at the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey for a consultation. We are available 24/7 and lead by a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Call (310) 695-1118 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an expungement usually take in Los Angeles County?

The timeline can vary depending on how quickly the court sets a hearing date and how busy the Torrance Courthouse calendar is. In many cases, the process can take several weeks to a few months from the time paperwork is filed until the judge issues an order. Delays can occur if records are old or difficult to locate, which is why starting early can be helpful.

Do I have to appear in court for my expungement hearing?

Whether you must appear can depend on the judge, the type of case, and whether there is any objection. In some situations, the judge may decide based solely on the paperwork that has been filed. In other matters, a personal appearance can be requested, and having legal representation can make that appearance less intimidating.

Will an expunged conviction still show up on a background check?

Private background checks often rely on public court records, and when a case is expunged, those records usually show a dismissal instead of a conviction. Some databases, particularly those used by government agencies, may still reflect the original case information. Because different employers use different reporting services, it is wise to keep copies of your expungement order so you can provide accurate documentation if questions come up.