Santa Barbara Expungement Lawyer

Let Our Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You

Having a criminal record can make it difficult to take advantage of life’s opportunities, such as obtaining employment, registering for school, or even purchasing a house. Fortunately, if you were convicted of a crime in California, you’re entitled to expunge your criminal record.

At Appel & Morse, we firmly believe that your previous transgressions shouldn’t plague you for the rest of your life. Whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony, our Santa Barbara criminal attorneys possess the comprehensive knowledge of the state laws to help put the past behind you.

• Personalized legal guidance: We provide hands-on support throughout every step of the expungement process and answer your questions about eligibility or paperwork requirements.
• Local court experience: Our familiarity with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court helps you navigate local legal rules and courtroom procedures efficiently.
• Clear communication: We keep you informed about what to expect, timelines, and any documentation you might need to gather before filing your petition.
• Focused on your goals: We work to address your unique situation, whether your conviction is for a misdemeanor or felony, and develop a plan based on your personal and professional needs.

If you are looking for an expungement attorney Santa Barbara residents can rely on, our team is prepared to guide you throughout the entire legal process. Expungement can be especially important when seeking professional licenses or applying to new jobs in Santa Barbara and across California. Because local employers and licensing boards often have access to criminal records, working with someone who understands the nuances of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court system can make a difference in how your petition is received. We are familiar with the procedures specific to the Santa Barbara courthouse and can help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications. Our knowledge of local practices allows us to provide tailored legal solutions based on your needs and the requirements set by local authorities.

What Are the Requirements for Expungement?

Expungement is the process by which your criminal convictions are dismissed. Generally, an expungement erases the criminal record as if it never existed. In California, however, you cannot erase a criminal record from public view entirely.

Rather, the act of expungement will reopen your case, withdraw the guilty or no content conviction, and dismiss your charges. While you case record will still exist, the outcome of the case will no longer be your plea or conviction.

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Completed probation
• Not currently charged with a criminal offense
• Not currently on probation or servicing a sentence for criminal offense

Crimes that cannot be expunged include:

• Sex crimes, including those involving children
• Homicide or murder

Frequently Asked Questions About Expungements in Santa Barbara

Many clients come to us with important questions about expungement and how the process plays out locally. Understanding what to expect from the beginning can help you plan ahead and feel more confident about your decision. Our experience as expungement lawyers serving Santa Barbara helps us guide clients through some of the most common roadblocks and concerns unique to the area.

One of the most frequent questions we receive is how long the expungement process usually takes. While every case is different, petitions filed with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court generally move forward within several weeks to a few months, depending on court schedules and complexity. Another concern is whether previous convictions will still appear during employer background checks. In most situations, an expungement changes your record to reflect a dismissed case, but some government agencies may still have limited access to your history.

Here are common expungement topics clients in Santa Barbara ask us about:

• Typical waiting period: How long after probation or sentence completion you should wait before applying
• Effect on job applications: Best practices for legally answering questions about prior convictions
• Local court process: What to expect when appearing at the Santa Barbara courthouse

Choosing an expungement lawyer Santa Barbara residents trust can make a difference in navigating these details. If you have more questions about your specific situation or eligibility within Santa Barbara County, our team is available to provide guidance tailored to your needs and explain the procedures that apply to your case.

Why Choose Our Firm in Santa Barbara

Our Santa Barbara criminal attorneys know that the expungement process is a complex legal process. We have what it takes to help you properly file an expungement petition.

When you work with an expungement lawyer Santa Barbara clients trust, you benefit from our local experience and longstanding relationships within the Santa Barbara legal system. We understand how judges and prosecutors in this area evaluate expungement requests, which can be an advantage at every step of your case. Our team takes the time to review your unique circumstances and identify strategies that align with both California law and Santa Barbara court expectations. If you are unsure whether you qualify or have questions about your eligibility, we can provide guidance based on up-to-date local court rules and procedures that may affect your case in Santa Barbara County. We also stay accessible for urgent questions and work around your schedule to make the process as straightforward as possible.

If you are currently on probation, we can even help you obtain early termination of probation as well. Get your life back to normal by hiring the legal services of our team at Appel & Morse today. Contact us by calling (805) 467-6060.