Long Beach, Domestic Violence (PC 273.5) Conviction Expunged

Our client, a Navy veteran, had pled no contest to an allegation of violation of California Penal Code § 273.5, domestic violence. It was charged as a misdemeanor. The case and his conviction were out of the Long Beach Superior Court. In his plea bargain, the client had used the public defender. There were no visible injuries to the alleged victim and she immediately left the United States. Had he retained a private attorney, this case very well may have resolved without a conviction through veteran’s diversion (at Penal Code 1001.36), much less one for 273.5.

The client came to us approximately one year after he had entered his plea, wanting to know if he could have the conviction expunged because he had completed one year of summary probation, as well as having paid all fines and having completed all domestic violence classes, performed the community service and paid the booking fee. The only thing he had not done was wait the full thirty-six months. All he had to do at this point was wait for two years and stay out of trouble during that time, which would most likely be no problem because the alleged victim in the case had returned to India to her family.

The reason our client sought expungement was because he was trying to get a new job and his being on probation was disqualifying. He had no other criminal history. He had paid his booking fee immediately and had performed his community service (10 days) in about one month. In other words, a court could find that he acted with a sense of urgency in fulfilling the terms of probation, so he must have good respect for his obligations to the court, which is great.

We advised him that it was best if he made his motion for early termination of probation and expungement after he had completed half of his summary probation. We explained that judges often will require this, although there is no statutory requirement for this. He understood and agreed.

Accordingly, we met again in approximately five months and the client did continue to stay out of trouble.

Greg Hill then prepared a motion for early termination of probation under Penal Code § 1203.3 and a second motion for expungement of his record under Penal Code § 1203.4. The client provided numerous certificates and letters of recommendation that attested to his changed demeanor and new maturity over the last 18 months. Such letters were added to each motion as attachments.

The court held a hearing on each motion and then granted both motions (technically the motion for expungement is properly called a petition for dismissal). For more information about the issues in this case summary, click on the following articles:

1. Expungement Not Available When Probation Terminated in Domestic Violence Case
2. Is Expungement Worth It?
3. What Does the New Law in 2015 Concerning Expunged Convictions Mean for State License Applications?

Watch our video about expungement by clicking here.

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