What Are Wobblers?
Though it sounds suspiciously like something hanging from a turkey’s chin, under California law “wobblers” are crimes that can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony. A felony conviction can be a life-altering experience affecting your ability to get a job, loan, credit, professional license or vote. Conviction can result in serious penalties, including prison time. […]
Expungement Dismisses Tatum O’Neal’s Drug Record
In a New York court this week, actress Tatum O’Neal pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in connection with her arrest last month for cocaine possession. The judge ordered O’Neal to complete two half-day sessions in a drug treatment program and pay a fine of $95. The case will be dismissed if she meets those conditions […]
Expunging Record Provides New Lease on Life
A criminal record haunts you for the rest of your life. It can affect your ability to get a job, take out a car loan, obtain a home mortgage, rent an apartment, vote, obtain a professional license, run for political office and even get a credit card. A criminal record is public. Everyone from your […]
California Puts Brakes on Expungement
In a law that went into effect on January 1, 2008, California put the brakes on expungement in cases involving hit and run, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The new law no longer guarantees those convicted of such vehicle violations the right to expungement following successful completion of probation.
Expungement […]
Expungement Can Clear Your Public Record
If you are falsely convicted of a crime and later exonerated, as in the case of James Ochoa who was chronicled in yesterday’s post, you will want to make sure your criminal record is expunged. Expungement is the legal process of erasing all eligible felony and misdemeanor charges from the public record. In California, many […]