Having a criminal record can have long-lasting effects on an individual's life, affecting their ability to secure employment, housing, the ability to vote or the ability to own a firearm. However, for many, the legal system in San Andreas offers a path to a fresh start through the process of expungement. Criminal record expungement is a legal procedure provided and filed through the Los Santos District Attorneys office that allows certain individuals to have their criminal records sealed or erased, providing them with the opportunity to move forward without the burden of past mistakes.

What is expungement?

Expungement is the legal process by which a criminal record is removed from public access, essentially "sealing" the record so that it no longer appears in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and others. In Los Santos County, the District Attorneys Office works alongside the Bureau of Investigation to expunge (clear) non-violent felony offenses on a case-by-case basis. This process is delicate and has a very low margin of acceptance throughout it’s time. The Los Santos District Attorney’s office places an estimate of about one-percent of total applicants accepted.

Expungements and Pardons

When dealing with the consequences of a criminal conviction, individuals may come across two potential remedies: expungement and a pardon. While both can offer relief from the effects of a criminal record, they serve different purposes and have distinct legal implications. Here's a comparison of the two:

Expungement is a legal process that involves sealing or erasing a criminal record from public access. Once expunged, the record is no longer visible in most background checks, effectively allowing the individual to move forward without the stigma of a criminal conviction. It is worth noting that the expungement process does not restore privileges lost due to a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction, with one exception: SHAFT code violations.

A pardon is an act of executive clemency, typically granted by a governor or the President, that forgives a crime and relieves the individual of the legal penalties associated with the conviction. A pardon does not erase or seal the record; it remains accessible to the public but is marked as pardoned. In the state of San Andreas, these are extremely rare and have yet to be utilized.

Expungement Process and Limitations

Working with your legal representative, you can submit an expungement request through the District Attorney's office. Once filed, you will need to wait for your case to be received and then reviewed.
The process is as follows:

• A representative of the District Attorney's Office (DA Investigator) reviews the expungement request
• If approved, the individual is invited for an interview with the Bureau of Investigation.
• The request undergoes a review, including the interview, and a decision is then made by the BOI Command Staff on whether to accept or deny the request. Following this, the request is forwarded to the Bureau Administration and Executive Administration for a final review before they assign it to a prosecutor.

Expungement Limitations

• Non-Violent Misdemeanor Expungements: No convictions for 3 years (( 3 months ))
• Violent Misdemeanor Expungements No convictions for 6 years (( 6 months ))
• Non-Violent Felony Expungements No convictions for 6 years (( 6 months ))
• Violent Felony Expungements: The District Attorney does not offer expungements for violent felonies unless outlined by a plea deal.

Let the team at Andres Law review your potential for an expungement filing. We offer a no-cost consultation and are willing to work with you to determine the best route for your claim. Stay safe and stay informed. Just remember, you do not need to face these situations alone. Contact the experienced criminal defense team at Andres Law.

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