Professional Licensing Defense Attorney California – Expungements & Professional Licenses

California’s expungement law is covered in Penal Code section 1203.4.

Section 1203.4 allows an individual convicted of a crime that did not result in a state prison sentence to petition the court to “set aside” and “dismiss” the conviction.

It is highly advisable that anyone convicted of a non-prison crime seek Section 1203.4 relief and that they use an expungement attorney like Jonathan Turner to assist them. If the expungement is granted, the individual does not need to disclose the old conviction on most job applications and is otherwise relieved of most penalties stemming from the conviction. But there is an important exception to this rule.

If you are applying for or renewing a professiona license, such as a nursing license through the California Board of Registered Nursing, a teaching license through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, an insurance license through the California Department of Insurance, a psychology license through the California Board of Psychology, a day care license through the Department of Social Services, or a license with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, you still need to disclose the expunged conviction to the licensing agency. If you do not disclose the expunged conviction on your licensing application, then such an omission will be seen as a dishonest act possibly warranting discipline such as denial, suspension or revocation of your professional license.

Nonetheless, if you hold a professional license or hope to obtain a professional license, and you have a criminal past, it is vital that you petition for expungement or other clearance of your convictions and criminal records. Though you have to disclose an expunged conviction to professional licensing boards, the licensing agency will, nonetheless, look more positively upon a conviction that has been expunged.

If you have a criminal past and possess or hope to possess a professional license, contact Jonathan Turner, an experienced professional licensing defense attorney California.