Expungement Attorney in Newport Beach

Your Path to a Clean Slate With a Trusted Expungement Lawyer in Newport Beach

When you’re ready to move forward from a past mistake, you deserve a team committed to giving you every advantage possible. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, our extensive experience as former prosecutors and over 100 years of combined legal knowledge put us in a unique position to address complicated expungement cases throughout Newport Beach and Orange County. 

We work closely with you every step of the way, responding to your questions directly, offering immediate appointment options, and building a legal strategy focused on your future—not your past. Our founding attorneys work directly on your case, providing consistent attention and a comprehensive approach built on decades of advocacy in local courts.

Don't let a past mistake hold you back. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at (949) 251-0330 or contact us online to begin the process of clearing your record.

Understanding the California Expungement Process

The term "expungement" in California is used to describe a process that, more accurately, is a "dismissal" of a criminal conviction under California Penal Code § 1203.4. While it does not physically erase the record from all government databases, it changes the disposition of the case. 

When an expungement is granted, the court reopens your case, sets aside the guilty verdict or plea, and dismisses the case. This allows you to truthfully state on most job applications that you have not been convicted of a crime. As a dedicated Newport Beach expungement lawyer, we understand the nuances of the law and how it applies to your specific situation. 

The eligibility for an expungement is determined by a number of factors:

• Completion of Probation: In most cases, you must have successfully completed your probation for the entire period. In some cases, we can petition the court to terminate your probation early to make you eligible for an expungement sooner.
• No Current Criminal Charges: You cannot be currently charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other crime.
• No State Prison Time: Historically, a person was not eligible for an expungement if they served time in state prison. However, recent changes to the law have expanded eligibility to include some cases where a person was sentenced to state prison.

It is important to understand what an expungement does and does not do. It will not remove a conviction from your "rap sheet," which is accessible to law enforcement. It also does not relieve you of the duty to register as a sex offender if applicable. However, it can significantly improve your ability to find a job, secure housing, and apply for professional licenses.

Key Elements the Court Considers

When we file a petition for expungement, the court will consider several factors to determine if your case should be dismissed. While the process is often routine for those who are eligible, a skilled attorney can make a big difference in ensuring a successful outcome.

• Fulfillment of Probation: The court will verify that you have fulfilled all the conditions of your probation, including paying all fines, fees, and restitution. If you have not, we can work with you and the court to get a plan in place to satisfy those requirements.
• Rehabilitation: A key factor the court considers is whether you have been rehabilitated. We will present a compelling argument that you have turned your life around, showcasing your employment history, educational achievements, community involvement, and any other positive changes you have made.
• Nature of the Offense: The court will consider the nature of the crime you were convicted of. Certain serious or violent offenses are not eligible for expungement. We will evaluate your case to ensure that it is eligible and that we can present it in the most favorable light possible.

The California Expungement Process

The process of securing an expungement can be long and confusing, but our firm will handle every step for you. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible so you can get on with your life.

1. Case Evaluation: We will begin with a free consultation to review your criminal record and determine if you are eligible for an expungement. We will discuss the specific details of your case, including the type of offense, the date of conviction, and the status of your probation.
2. Gathering Information: We will need to obtain all the necessary court documents and criminal records to prepare your petition.
3. Preparing the Petition: We will meticulously prepare the Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) and any other necessary forms and declarations. As a Newport Beach expungement lawyer, we know what the court is looking for and will ensure your petition is complete and persuasive.
4. Filing the Petition: We will file the petition with the court where your conviction was adjudicated and pay any applicable fees. As of July 2023, there is no longer a fee for an expungement petition in California.
5. Service and Waiting Period: We will serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and wait for their response. They have a certain amount of time to file an opposition.
6. Court Hearing: In some cases, the court may schedule a hearing to review the petition. We will attend the hearing on your behalf and present a compelling argument for why your petition should be granted.
7. Order and Follow-Up: If the court grants your petition, we will obtain a signed order and ensure that it is properly filed with all relevant agencies. We will also advise you on how the expungement will affect your rights and how to correctly answer questions about your criminal record.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Expungement

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to move past a criminal conviction. 

As a dedicated expungement attorney in Newport Beach, we will:

• Determine Your Eligibility: We will conduct a thorough review of your criminal history to determine if you are eligible for an expungement under the law. We will also explore all other options for clearing your record, such as a certificate of rehabilitation or a governor's pardon.
• Handle All Paperwork: The expungement process can be a paperwork nightmare. We will handle all the necessary forms, filings, and legal arguments for you, ensuring that the process is seamless and free of errors.
• Negotiate with the Prosecution: While the prosecution may not have much of an argument in an expungement case, we will use our experience as former prosecutors to anticipate and address any potential opposition they may have to your petition.
• Represent You in Court: If a hearing is required, we will be there to represent you. We will present a persuasive and compelling argument to the judge, highlighting your rehabilitation and explaining why a dismissal is in the interest of justice.

Why Our Experience as Expungement Attorneys in Newport Beach Matters

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, every client deserves a real second chance. Here’s what sets us apart as your expungement lawyer in Newport Beach:

• Over 100 years of combined legal experience: Our founding attorneys bring extensive insight from both sides of the courtroom as former prosecutors.
• Direct communication with seasoned attorneys: Your case is never handed down to a less-experienced colleague—our founding attorneys provide personal attention at every stage.
• Collaborative, tailored strategy: We treat each expungement as unique, pooling our collective knowledge to examine every detail for the strongest approach.
• 24/7 availability & responsive service: We’re here when you need us—whether a late-night worry arises or you want to take action now, our team is ready.
• Local understanding of Newport Beach courts: Our direct experience with Orange County judges and procedures means we know how to navigate the nuances that can impact your results.

Choosing the right expungement attorney in Newport Beach directly affects your experience and your chance for a favorable resolution. Our law firm’s strong working relationships within the Orange County Superior Court, and our years of cultivating a positive reputation among Newport Beach court staff, allow us to anticipate and proactively address challenges others might overlook. 

Because our attorneys approach each matter as a team, our clients benefit from the shared knowledge and legal backgrounds of multiple criminal defense attorneys—offering a depth of analysis that is difficult to match. We stay current with California expungement law, so your strategy is always informed by evolving statutes and recent court trends. 

Ready to Work With a Trusted Expungement Lawyer in Newport Beach? Contact Us Now

If you’re considering expungement, the choices you make today can shape your future. Connect with our team at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC by calling (949) 251-0330 for a confidential, no-pressure consultation. We make the process clear and manageable—offering direct access to experienced attorneys, answering your questions promptly, and tailoring legal strategies to your needs. 

Reach out now or call (949) 251-0330 for supportive, knowledgeable counsel from Newport Beach expungement attorneys trusted by individuals across Orange County who want a true second chance.