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California Record Expungement

Below is a quick overview of criminal expungement law in California, and what expungement can do for your life. You can expand each section to reveal further information about each California expungement topic. If you have any questions always feel free to contact us toll-free at 800-916-1228.

What is
Expungement?

Expunging your criminal record in California is the process of filing a legal petition, or motion, with the court where your conviction transpired pursuant California Penal Code 1203.4 to have the Judge re-open the case, to set aside the conviction and to dismiss the case. If the expungement petition is granted, you will no longer be considered convicted of the crime by the state of California, and your permanant criminal record will be updated to display a dismissal rather than a criminal conviction. Subsequently, once the conviction is expunged by the court you can then truthfully tell employers, your family, and all other interested parties that you have not previously been convicted of a crime. Furthermore, the expunged conviction will no longer show on employer and landlord background checks. Simply put, Criminal record expungement allows you to forget your past, so that you can fully embrace your future.

Today everything is online, and a thorough background check can be done with the stroke of keyboard. These background checks are used by potential employers, landlords, lenders, and anybody else that wants to get a grasp on your criminal history before initiating a relationship with you. If an employer, or landlord, runs a background check on you after the criminal expungement process has been completed, they will  no longer be able to see any information pertaining to the expunged criminal case. Thus, it is more important than ever to clean up your criminal history in this competitive job market. Expungement of your criminal record gives you a "fresh start," allowing you to move forward with your life without the worry that your past mistakes will hinder your future aspirations.

If you have been convicted of an infraction, misdemeanor or felony in the state of California you are entitled to expunge your criminal conviction if you meet the following criteria:

  • 1You were charged and convicted in state court, NOT federal court. Only state convictions are available for expungement.
  • 2Your sentence did not involve going to state prison. County jail and holding cells are NOT state prison. If you did go to state prison than you may be eligible for a California Certificate of Rehabilitation.
  • 3You have successfully completed your probationary term, or if you were not given probation, then one year must pass since your conviction date. However, if you are still on probation we can petition the court for early termination of your probation.
  • 4You must have satisfied all the requirements of your sentence (fines, restitution, mandatory programs, community service, classes, etc.).
  • 5You are not currently being charged with another criminal offense, on probation for another criminal offense, or serving a sentence for another criminal offense.
  • 6It must also be noted that there are several crimes that have been carved out in PC 1203.4 that are not available for expungement relief, all of which involve serious sex offenses committed against children. They include the following sections of the California Penal Code: 286(c), 288, 288.5, 289(j), and 261.5(d).

If you violated any of the terms of your probation, you can still seek an expungment under PC 1203.4. When a probation violation is present it is important that we build as strong of a case as possible for expungement. The court will look at the following factors when deciding whether to grant the expungement:

  • 1Your overall performance and behavior while on probation.
  • 2The seriousness of the probation violation.
  • 3The seriousness of the underlying conviction.
  • 4Your overall criminal record (are you a repeat offender).
  • 5All the evidence we can provide that demonstrates you are deserving of expungment relief, such as: your inability to find employment; your role in taking care of your dependants and family; your positive role in your community, or in the lives of those you come in contact with; the positive things you have done since the conviction (e.g., attending college or trade school, work promotions, etc.).

Our law firm thrives on these more challenging expungement cases, and we will put together the strongest case possible for you. We will get to know you and your background, allowing us to find, and highlight, the most pursuasive arguments for the Judge.

Expungement relief may still be available to you even if you are currently on probation. We are able to petition the court under California Penal Code 1203.3 for early termination of your probation in the interest of justice. At the same time, we also ask the court for expungement under PC 1203.4. If the Judge is willing to grant early termination of your probation, they will almost always also grant the expungement at the same time. Although a PC 1203.3 petition for early termination of probation can be filed at any time during your probationary period, we highly suggest that you complete at least half of your probationary term before the petition is filed, as this will greatly increase your chances of getting the petition granted by the Judge. Also you must have satisfied all of your other sentencing requirements, such as fines, restitution, participation in mandatory classes and programs, and community service. Petitioning the court for early termination, and expungement of your underlying conviction, allows you to quickly forget about a mistake you made and to move on with your life.

A majority of our clients have multiple criminal cases in their life, and having multiple cases does not preclude you from seeking out expungement relief in California. Each criminal case must be handled separately, and an expungement petition would need to be filed for each criminal case you wish to expunge. We specialize in helping clients with multiple cases clean up their entire crimianl record, no matter how many cases or jurisdictions are involved. If you sign up with us to expunge more than one criminal case, then all subsequent criminal case expungements will be substantially discounted. View our multiple conviction discount page.

Once you contact our law firm and sign up for one our California expungement services we (David Huffman, our founding attorney) will move through the following steps:

  • 1We will reach out to you and welcome you.
  • 2We will attempt to obtain the necessary case details for expungement from the court.
  • 3We will inquire with you about your case details and your personal details, all with the aim of building the strongest case possible for expungement.
  • 4We will analyze your case details to determine if in fact your conviction is eligible for expungement relief in the state of California.
  • 5We will research all applicable current state laws and regulations.
  • 6We will prepare the expungement petition / motion.
  • 7We will file all the appropriate paperwork within the required timeframes, and will serve the prosecuting attorney as required by Penal Code 1203.4.
  • 8We will pay all filing fees and court costs (this is included in our fixed prices).
  • 9We attend all expungement hearings on your behalf, and you are not required to attend.
  • 10We will provide you with a signed order from the Judge, granting the expungement.
  • 11We will ensure that the criminal databases, used for background checks by employers and landlords, are updated to reflect the expungement.
  • 12And you can rest assured, since most of our services are covered by our 100% money back guarantee.

Not only will expunging your criminal record have positive intangible benefits, such as peace of mind, it will also provide the following concrete benefits as well:

  • 1In almost all cases private employers cannot ask about convictions that were dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4, nor can a conviction that was dismissed be considered for employment purposes.
  • 2Your expunged conviction will not show up on employer OR landlord background checks. Which means you no longer have to worry about being discriminated against. 
  • 3You can truthfully and legally answer "NO" on private sector job OR rental applications when asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime.
  • 4You can greatly increase your earning potential by becoming eligible for more employment opportunities.
  • 5You may become eligible for more professional licenses and certificates.
  • 6Reducing a "wobbler" felony conviction to a misdemeanor can restore certain rights, such as your right to own a gun. See list of California felony "wobbler" offenses.
  • 7You may become eligible for more student loans.
  • 8You may become eligible for housing assistance.
  • 9You can tell friends and family that you have not been convicted of a crime.
  • 10You have the satisfaction of forgetting the past for good and moving forward into a more positive future.

Although getting your criminal record expunged in California an have huge benefits for your life, it does not hide the criminal case in all situations. There are still situations where the underlying conviction can against you moving forward in your life.

  • 1An expunged case can still be used against you in the sentencing of a subsequent case. Example: If you get a DUI conviction expunged, it can still be used against you as a prior DUI if you were to get a second DUI within 10 years, and the fact that the case was expunged would mean nothing.
  • 2Expungement in California does NOT restore your right to own a firearm. If you are forbidden from owning a firearm due to a felony conviction, than we would need to reduce your felony to a misdemeanor to restore your 2nd Amendment right. We specialize in doing this, so give us a call if you are trying to restore your gun rights.
  • 3You must disclose the previous conviction, and expungement, in three very narrow circumstances in the future as dictated by Penal Code 1203.4. If your situation is not on this list after expungement then you can answer "NO" when asked if you have a criminal past:
    • If contracting with the California State Lottery Commission.
    • When applying for public office (if you run for governor, mayor, etc.).
    • When applying for a state license. These are the only three circumstances wherein you would need to disclose an expunged case in your life.
  • 4Expungement does not seal your record, rather it removes the conviction from your record and updates the record to show as dismissed. Your permanant DOJ rap sheet will still show the full details of the criminal case, including the expungement. However, very few entities have access to your DOJ rap sheet, which requires your consent and your fingerprints.  But, on normal employer background checks, which account for over 95% of the employment marketplace, nothing from your past will show. Lastly, even if an employer is able to demand a DOJ rap sheet from you, then an expunged record will still look a lot better there as well.
There is no reason
to let your criminal past hold you back in life.
There are laws in California that allow people who have made mistakes to expunge their criminal records.
David Huffman, Esq.

David Huffman, Esq.
Founding Attorney, Fresh Start Law Center

David Huffman, Esq.

What makes us different?

Hiring an attorney can be a scary process, and finding somebody you can trust, and afford, can be a challenge.

When you hire Fresh Start Law Center to help you clean up your criminal record, you know exactly what you are getting - Friendly and honest expungement legal services at an affordable fixed price (no hidden costs, ever). From the second you sign up with us you will have direct contact with our founding attorney, Mr. Huffman (pictured), and he will apply his unique expertise in California record clearing and expungement laws to the individual details of your situation. Not only will we tirelessly strive to get the absolute best outcome for you, and your family, but we also provide our services to you at a fixed price (no hidden fees), so that there are never any surprises down the road.

Fresh Start Law Center provides record clearing services throughout the entire state of California. Our attorneys are licensed, and have experience, in every courthouse in the state of California. We conveniently have a Southern, and Northern, California office to serve your needs. So no matter where your case is located, from a rural town to a metropolitan city, we are there to assist you with your criminal record expungement needs.

Are you tired of your mistakes holding you back in life? We can help. Reach out to us today for a 100% free consultation and find out how we can help you forget the past and embrace the future.™

Call toll-free anytime to speak directly with Mr. Huffman about your situation - (800) 916-1228

Fresh Start Law Center - California Criminal Expungement Law Firm
Why Choose Us ?
  • Super Fast Expungement Case Resolution
    Fast Case
    Resolution
    Fast Case
    Resolution

    Most of our expungement cases are completed in just 6-12 weeks, meaning you can quickly move forward with you life. We also offer expedited service in most counties.

  • Money Back
    Guarantee
    Money Back
    Guarantee

    We offer a 100% money back guarantee on most of our services. If we do not successfully expunge your criminal case, then you don't pay us. It's that simple.
    - READ MORE -

  • Lowest Price Guarantee On All Expungement Services
    105% Low Price
    Guarantee
    105% Low Price
    Guarantee

    We take pride in offering affordable pricing to our clients. We are so sure that we have the lowest fixed prices for our expungement services that we guarantee it!
    - READ MORE -

  • Expungement Law Firm - Serving All California
    Serving All
    of California
    Serving All
    of California

    We provide our specialized criminal expungement legal services throughout the entire state of California. From San Diego to Humboldt County, we are here to help with your expungement needs.

  • Multiple Case Discounts
    Multiple Case
    Discounts
    Multiple Case
    Discounts

    Do you have multiple cases? No problem. We specialize in clearing up your entire criminal record, and we provide discounted pricing for multiple expungement cases.
    - READ MORE -

  • Experienced
    Law Firm
    Experienced
    Law Firm

    We have won thousands of expungement cases for our clients in California. We have seen every type of expungement case, and we specialize in this unique area of law.
    - READ MORE -

Expungement Service Offered

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • BBB A+ Rating

    I would highly recommend Fresh Start. They did everything they promised, on time and with wonderful customer service. I am very pleased!

    DONNA P.
    LOS ANGELES
  • Yelp rating

    David Huffman and his team are top notch.  I used them for two cases and they won both.  Their prices were reasonable and there service excellent. 5 Stars!!!

    ROBERT T.
    SAN DIEGO
  • TRUSTPILOT Rating

    Highly recommend Fresh Start Law Center to anyone needing this type of assistance. Totally reliable and well worth the money. Mr. Huffman was a joy to work with.

    SHANNON R.
    SAN FRANCISCO

MAKE SURE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE!

Clean up your record & Get a fresh start

Laws

California Penal Code 4852.01

Certificate Of Rehabilitation In California


California Certificate Of Rehabilitation Service

(a) Any person convicted of a felony who has been released from a state prison or other state penal institution or agency in California, whether discharged on completion of the term for which he or she was sentenced or released on parole prior to May 13, 1943, who has not been incarcerated in a state prison or other state penalinstitution or agency since his or her release and who presents satisfactory evidence of a three-year residence in this state immediately prior to the filing of the petition for a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon provided for by this chapter, may file the petition pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Any person convicted of a felony who, on May 13, 1943, was confined in a state prison or other institution or agency to which he or she was committed and any person convicted of a felony after that date who is committed to a state prison or other institution or agency may file a petition for a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to the provisions of this capter.

(c) Any person convicted of a felony or any person who is convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any sex offense specified in Section 290, the accusatory pleading of which has been dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4, may file a petition for certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to the provisions of this chapter if the petitioner has not been incarcerated in any prison, jail, detention facility, or other penal institution or agency since the dismissal of the accusatory pleading and is not on probation for the commission of any other felony, and the petitioner presents satisfactory evidence of five years residence in this state prior to the filing of the petition.

(d) This chapter shall not apply to persons serving a mandatory life parole, persons committed under death sentences, persons convicted of a violation of subdivision (c) of Section 286, Section 288, subdivision (c) of Section 288a, Section 288.5, or subdivision (j) of Section 289, or persons in the military service.

(e) Notw hstanding the above provisions or any other provision of law, the Governor shall have the right to pardon a person convicted of a violation of subdivision (c) of Section 286, Section 288, subdivision (c) of Section 288a, Section 288.5, or subdivision (j) of Section 289, if there are extraordinary circumstances.


Fresh Start Law Center focuses on California expungement laws, and we have handled many cases involving certificate of rehabilitation for our clients. An experienced attorney will handle your case from start to finish, and will keep you 100% updated as the case progresses.

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California Penal Code 851.8

California Arrest Record Sealing Law


California Arrest Record Sealing Service

(a) In any case where a person has been arrested and no accusatory pleading has been filed, the person arrested may petition the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense to destroy its records of the arrest. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the prosecuting attorney of the county or city having jurisdiction over the offense. The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense, upon a determination that the person arrested is factually innocent, shall, with the concurrence of the prosecuting attorney, seal its arrest records, and the petition for relief under this section for three years from the date of the arrest and thereafter destroy its arrest records and the petition. The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense shall notify the Department of Justice, and any law enforcement agency that arrested the petitioner or participated in the arrest of the petitioner for an offense for which the petitioner has been found factually innocent under this subd ision, of the sealing of the arrest records and the reason therefor. The Department of Justice and any law enforcement agency so notified shall forthwith seal their records of the arrest and the notice of sealing for three years from the date of the arrest, and thereafter destroy their records of the arrest and the notice of sealing. The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense and the Department of Justice shall request the destruction of any records of the arrest which they have given to any local, state, or federal agency or to any other person or entity. Each agency, person, or entity within the State of California receiving the request shall destroy its records of the arrest and the request, unless otherwise provided in this section.

(b) If, after receipt by both the law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney of a petition for relief under subdivision (a), the law enforcement agency and prosecuting attorney do not respond to the petition by accepting or denying the petitio within 60 days after the running of the relevant statute of limitations or within 60 days after receipt of the petition in cases where the statute of limitations has previously lapsed, then the petition shall be deemed to be denied. In any case where the petition of an arrestee to the law enforcement agency to have an arrest record destroyed is denied, petition may be made to the superior court that would have had territorial jurisdiction over the matter. A copy of the petition shall be served on the law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney of the county or city having jurisdiction over the offense at least 10 days prior to the hearing thereon. The prosecuting attorney and the law enforcement agency through the district attorney may present evidence to the court at the hearing. Notwithstanding Section 1538.5 or 1539, any judicial determination of factual innocence made pursuant to this section may be heard and determined upon declarations, affidavits, police reports, or any other evidence submitte by the parties which is material, relevant, and reliable. A finding of factual innocence and an order for the sealing and destruction of records pursuant to this section shall not be made unless the court finds that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense for which the arrest was made. In any court hearing to determine the factual innocence of a party, the initial burden of proof shall rest with the petitioner to show that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense for which the arrest was made. If the court finds that this showing of no reasonable cause has been made by the petitioner, then the burden of proof shall shift to the respondent to show that a reasonable cause exists to believe that the petitioner committed the offense for which the arrest was made. If the court finds the arrestee to be factually innocent of the charges for which the arrest was made, then the court shall order the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction o r the offense, the Department of Justice, and any law enforcement agency which arrested the petitioner or participated in the arrest of the petitioner for an offense for which the petitioner has been found factually innocent under this section to seal their records of the arrest and the court order to seal and destroy the records, for three years from the date of the arrest and thereafter to destroy their records of the arrest and the court order to seal and destroy those records. The court shall also order the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense and the Department of Justice to request the destruction of any records of the arrest which they have given to any local, state, or federal agency, person or entity. Each state or local agency, person or entity within the State of California receiving such a request shall destroy its records of the arrest and the request to destroy the records, unless otherwise provided in this section. The court shall give to the petitioner a copy of any cou order concerning the destruction of the arrest records.

(c) In any case where a person has been arrested, and an accusatory pleading has been filed, but where no conviction has occurred, the defendant may, at any time after dismissal of the action, petition the court that dismissed the action for a finding that the defendant is factually innocent of the charges for which the arrest was made. A copy of the petition shall be served on the prosecuting attorney of the county or city in which the accusatory pleading was filed at least 10 days prior to the hearing on the petitioner's factual innocence. The prosecuting attorney may present evidence to the court at the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted as provided in subdivision (b). If the court finds the petitioner to be factually innocent of the charges for which the arrest was made, then the court shall grant the relief as provided in subdivision (b).

(d) In any case where a person has been arrested and an accusatory pleading has been filed, but whe no conviction has occurred, the court may, with the concurrence of the prosecuting attorney, grant the relief provided in subdivision (b) at the time of the dismissal of the accusatory pleading.

(e) Whenever any person is acquitted of a charge and it appears to the judge presiding at the trial at which the acquittal occurred that the defendant was factually innocent of the charge, the judge may grant the relief provided in subdivision (b).

(f) In any case where a person who has been arrested is granted relief pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b), the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense or court shall issue a written declaration to the arrestee stating that it is the determination of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense or court that the arrestee is factually innocent of the charges for which the person was arrested and that the arrestee is thereby exonerated. Thereafter, the arrest shall be deemed not to have occurred and the person may answer according any question relating to its occurrence.

(g) The Department of Justice shall furnish forms to be utilized by persons applying for the destruction of their arrest records and for the written declaration that one person was found factually innocent under subdivisions (a) and (b).

(h) Documentation of arrest records destroyed pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) that are contained in investigative police reports shall bear the notation "Exonerated" whenever reference is made to the arrestee. The arrestee shall be notified in writing by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense of the sealing and destruction of the arrest records pursuant to this section.

(i) (1) Any finding that an arrestee is factually innocent pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) shall not be admissible as evidence in any action. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a finding that an arrestee is factually innocent pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, shall be admissible a evidence at a hearing before the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.

(j) Destruction of records of arrest pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) shall be accomplished by permanent obliteration of all entries or notations upon the records pertaining to the arrest, and the record shall be prepared again so that it appears that the arrest never occurred. However, where (1) the only entries on the record pertain to the arrest and (2) the record can be destroyed without necessarily affecting the destruction of other records, then the document constituting the record shall be physically destroyed.

(k) No records shall be destroyed pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) if the arrestee or a codefendant has filed a civil action against the peace officers or law enforcement jurisdiction which made the arrest or instituted the prosecution and if the agency which is the custodian of the records has received a certified copy of the complaint in the civil action, unti the civil action has been resolved. Any records sealed pursuant to this section by the court in the civil actions, upon a showing of good cause, may be opened and submitted into evidence. The records shall be confidential and shall be available for inspection only by the court, jury, parties, counsel for the parties, and any other person authorized by the court. Immediately following the final resolution of the civil action, records subject to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) shall be sealed and destroyed pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e).

(l) For arrests occurring on or after January 1, 1981, and for accusatory pleadings filed on or after January 1, 1981, petitions for relief under this section may be filed up to two years from the date of the arrest or filing of the accusatory pleading, whichever is later. Until January 1, 1983, petitioners can file for relief under this section for arrests which occurred or accusatory pleadings which were filed up to five years prior to the effec ive date of the statute. Any time restrictions on filing for relief under this section may be waived upon a showing of good cause by the petitioner and in the absence of prejudice.

(m) Any relief which is available to a petitioner under this section for an arrest shall also be available for an arrest which has been deemed to be or described as a detention under Section 849.5 or 851.6.

(n) This section shall not apply to any offense which is classified as an infraction.

(o) (1) This section shall be repealed on the effective date of a final judgment based on a claim under the California or United States Constitution holding that evidence that is relevant, reliable, and material may not be considered for purposes of a judicial determination of factual innocence under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, a judgment by the appellate division of a superior court is a final judgment if it is published and if it is not reviewed on appeal by a court of appeal. A judgment of a court of appeal is a inal judgment if it is published and if it is not reviewed by the California Supreme Court. (2) Any decision referred to in this subdivision shall be stayed pending appeal. (3) If not otherwise appealed by a party to the action, any decision referred to in this subdivision which is a judgment by the appellate division of the superior court shall be appealed by the Attorney General.

(p) A judgment of the court under subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e) is subject to the following appeal path: (1) In a felony case, appeal is to the court of appeal. (2) In a misdemeanor case, or in a case in which no accusatory pleading was filed, appeal is to the appellate division of the superior court.

Fresh Start Law Center focuses solely on Califronia record clearing laws, and we have handled many arrest record sealing cases. We look forward to helping you seal and destroy your wrongful arrest record.

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California Penal Code 1000

Diversion - California Deferred Judgement

(a) This chapter shall apply whenever a case is before any court upon an accusatory pleading for a violation of Section 11350, 11357, 11364, 11365, 11377, or 11550 of the Health and Safety Code, or subdivision (b) of Section 23222 of the Vehicle Code, or Section 11358 of the Health and Safety Code if the marijuana planted, cultivated, harvested, dried, or processed is for personal use, or Section 11368 of the Health and Safety Code if the narcotic drug was secured by a fictitious prescription and is for the personal use of the defendant and was not sold or furnished to another, or subdivision (d) of Section 653f if the solicitation was for acts directed to personal use only, or Section 381 or subdivision (f) of Section 647 of the Penal Code, if for being under the influence of a controlled substance, or Section 4060 of the Business and Professions Code, and it appears to the prosecuting attorney that, except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 11357 of the Health and Safety Code, all of the following ap y to the defendant: (1) The defendant has no conviction for any offense involving controlled substances prior to the alleged commission of the charged offense. (2) The offense charged did not involve a crime of violence or threatened violence. (3) There is no evidence of a violation relating to narcotics or restricted dangerous drugs other than a violation of the sections listed in this subdivision. (4) The defendant's record does not indicate that probation or parole has ever been revoked without thereafter being completed. (5) The defendant's record does not indicate that he or she has successfully completed or been terminated from diversion or deferred entry of judgment pursuant to this chapter within five years prior to the alleged commission of the charged offense. (6) The defendant has no prior felony conviction within five years prior to the alleged commission of the charged offense.

(b) The prosecuting attorney shall review his or her file to determine whether or not paragraphs ( to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a) apply to the defendant. Upon the agreement of the prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, the public defender, and the presiding judge of the criminal division of the superior court, or a judge designated by the presiding judge, this procedure shall be completed as soon as possible after the initial filing of the charges. If the defendant is found eligible, the prosecuting attorney shall file with the court a declaration in writing or state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based, and shall make this information available to the defendant and his or her attorney. This procedure is intended to allow the court to set the hearing for deferred entry of judgment at the arraignment. If the defendant is found ineligible for deferred entry of judgment, the prosecuting attorney shall file with the court a declaration in writing or state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based, and shall make this information available to the defen nt and his or her attorney. The sole remedy of a defendant who is found ineligible for deferred entry of judgment is a postconviction appeal.

(c) All referrals for deferred entry of judgment granted by the court pursuant to this chapter shall be made only to programs that have been certified by the county drug program administrator pursuant to Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 1211) of Title 8, or to programs that provide services at no cost to the participant and have been deemed by the court and the county drug program administrator to be credible and effective. The defendant may request to be referred to a program in any county, as long as that program meets the criteria set forth in this subdivision.

(d) Deferred entry of judgment for a violation of Section 11368 of the Health and Safety Code shall not prohibit any administrative agency from taking disciplinary action against a licensee or from denying a license. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to expand or restrict the provisions f Section 1000.4.

(e) Any defendant who is participating in a program referred to in this section may be required to undergo analysis of his or her urine for the purpose of testing for the presence of any drug as part of the program. However, urine analysis results shall not be admissible as a basis for any new criminal prosecution or proceeding.


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California Penal Code 1210.1

Law Mandating Probation For Non-Violent Drug Offenses

 

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(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in subdivision (b), any person convicted of a nonviolent drug possession offense shall receive probation. As a condition of probation the court shall require participation in and completion of an appropriate drug treatment program. The court shall impose appropriate drug testing as a condition of probation. The court may also impose, as a condition of probation, participation in vocational training, family counseling, literacy training and/or community service. A court may not impose incarceration as an additional condition of probation. Aside from the limitations imposed in this subdivision, the trial court is not otherwise limited in the type of probation conditions it may impose. Probation shall be imposed by suspending the imposition of sentence. No person shall be denied the opportunity to benefit from the provisions of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 based solely upon evidence of a co-occurring psychiatric or dev opmental disorder. To the greatest extent possible, any person who is convicted of, and placed on probation pursuant to this section for a nonviolent drug possession offense shall be monitored by the court through the use of a dedicated court calendar and the incorporation of a collaborative court model of oversight that includes close collaboration with treatment providers and probation, drug testing commensurate with treatment needs, and supervision of progress through review hearings. In addition to any fine assessed under other provisions of law, the trial judge may require any person convicted of a nonviolent drug possession offense who is reasonably able to do so to contribute to the cost of his or her own placement in a drug treatment program.

(b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to any of the following: (1) Any defendant who previously has been convicted of one or more violent or serious felonies as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 or subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7, respectively unless the nonviolent drug possession offense occurred after a period of five years in which the defendant remained free of both prison custody and the commission of an offense that results in a felony conviction other than a nonviolent drug possession offense, or a misdemeanor conviction involving physical injury or the threat of physical injury to another person. (2) Any defendant who, in addition to one or more nonviolent drug possession offenses, has been convicted in the same proceeding of a misdemeanor not related to the use of drugs or any felony. (3) Any defendant who, while armed with a deadly weapon, with the intent to use the same as a deadly weapon, unlawfully possesses or is under the influence of any controlled substance identified in Section 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057, or 11058 of the Health and Safety Code. (4) Any defendant who refuses drug treatment as a condition of probation. (5) Any defendant who has two separate convictions for nonviolent drug possession offenses, has partic ated in two separate courses of drug treatment pursuant to subdivision (a), and is found by the court, by clear and convincing evidence, to be unamenable to any and all forms of available drug treatment, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1210. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the trial court shall sentence that defendant to 30 days in jail.

(c) (1) Any defendant who has previously been convicted of at least three non-drug-related felonies for which the defendant has served three separate prison terms within the meaning of subdivision (b) of Section 667.5 shall be presumed eligible for treatment under subdivision (a). The court may exclude the defendant from treatment under subdivision (a) where the court, pursuant to the motion of the prosecutor or its own motion, finds that the defendant poses a present danger to the safety of others and would not benefit from a drug treatment program. The court shall, on the record, state its findings, the reasons for those findings. (2) Any defenda who has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony at least five times within the prior 30 months shall be presumed to be eligible for treatment under subdivision (a). The court may exclude the defendant from treatment under subdivision (a) if the court, pursuant to the motion of the prosecutor, or on its own motion, finds that the defendant poses a present danger to the safety of others or would not benefit from a drug treatment program. The court shall, on the record, state its findings and the reasons for those findings.

(d) Within seven days of an order imposing probation under subdivision (a), the probation department shall notify the drug treatment provider designated to provide drug treatment under subdivision (a). Within 30 days of receiving that notice, the treatment provider shall prepare a treatment plan and forward it to the probation department for distribution to the court and counsel. The treatment provider shall provide to the probation department standardized treatment progress eports, with minimum data elements as determined by the department, including all drug testing results. At a minimum, the reports shall be provided to the court every 90 days, or more frequently, as the court directs. (1) If at any point during the course of drug treatment the treatment provider notifies the probation department and the court that the defendant is unamenable to the drug treatment being provided, but may be amenable to other drug treatments or related programs, the probation department may move the court to modify the terms of probation, or on its own motion, the court may modify the terms of probation after a hearing to ensure that the defendant receives the alternative drug treatment or program. (2) If at any point during the course of drug treatment the treatment provider notifies the probation department and the court that the defendant is unamenable to the drug treatment provided and all other forms of drug treatment programs pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1210, the probati department may move to revoke probation. At the revocation hearing, if it is proved that the defendant is unamenable to all drug treatment programs pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1210, the court may revoke probation. (3) Drug treatment services provided by subdivision (a) as a required condition of probation may not exceed 12 months, unless the court makes a finding supported by the record, that the continuation of treatment services beyond 12 months is necessary for drug treatment to be successful. If that finding is made, the court may order up to two six-month extensions of treatment services. The provision of treatment services under the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 shall not exceed 24 months.

(e) (1) At any time after completion of drug treatment and the terms of probation, the court shall conduct a hearing, and if the court finds that the defendant successfully completed drug treatment, and substantially complied with the conditions of probation, including refraining om the use of drugs after the completion of treatment, the conviction on which the probation was based shall be set aside and the court shall dismiss the indictment, complaint, or information against the defendant. In addition, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), both the arrest and the conviction shall be deemed never to have occurred. The defendant may additionally petition the court for a dismissal of charges at any time after completion of the prescribed course of drug treatment. Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), the defendant shall thereafter be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense of which he or she has been convicted. (2) Dismissal of an indictment, complaint, or information pursuant to paragraph (1) does not permit a person to own, possess, or have in his or her custody or control any firearm capable of being concealed upon the person or prevent his or her conviction under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) of Division 9 of Title 4 of P t 6. (3) Except as provided below, after an indictment, complaint, or information is dismissed pursuant to paragraph (1), the defendant may indicate in response to any question concerning his or her prior criminal record that he or she was not arrested or convicted for the offense. Except as provided below, a record pertaining to an arrest or conviction resulting in successful completion of a drug treatment program under this section may not, without the defendant's consent, be used in any way that could result in the denial of any employment, benefit, license, or certificate. Regardless of his or her successful completion of drug treatment, the arrest and conviction on which the probation was based may be recorded by the Department of Justice and disclosed in response to any peace officer application request or any law enforcement inquiry. Dismissal of an information, complaint, or indictment under this section does not relieve a defendant of the obligation to disclose the arrest and conviction in res nse to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for public office, for a position as a peace officer as defined in Section 830, for licensure by any state or local agency, for contracting with the California State Lottery, or for purposes of serving on a jury.

(f) (1) If probation is revoked pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision, the defendant may be incarcerated pursuant to otherwise applicable law without regard to the provisions of this section. The court may modify or revoke probation if the alleged violation is proved. (2) If a defendant receives probation under subdivision (a), and violates that probation either by committing an offense that is not a nonviolent drug possession offense, or by violating a non-drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves to revoke probation, the court may remand the defendant for a period not exceeding 30 days during which time the court may receive input from treatment, probation, the state, and the defendant, and the c rt may conduct further hearings as it deems appropriate to determine whether or not probation should be reinstated under this section. If the court reinstates the defendant on probation, the court may modify the treatment plan and any other terms of probation, and continue the defendant in a treatment program under the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000. If the court reinstates the defendant on probation, the court may, after receiving input from the treatment provider and probation, if available, intensify or alter the treatment plan under subdivision (a), and impose sanctions, including jail sanctions not exceeding 30 days, a tool to enhance treatment compliance. (3) (A) If a defendant receives probation under subdivision (a), and violates that probation either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or a misdemeanor for simple possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, being present where drugs are used, or failure to register as a drug offender, or any activity similar o those listed in subdivision (d) of Section 1210, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves to revoke probation, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. The trial court shall revoke probation if the alleged probation violation is proved and the state proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant poses a danger to the safety of others. If the court does not revoke probation, it may intensify or alter the drug treatment plan and in addition, if the violation does not involve the recent use of drugs as a circumstance of the violation, including, but not limited to, violations relating to failure to appear at treatment or court, noncompliance with treatment, and failure to report for drug testing, the court may impose sanctions including jail sanctions that may not exceed 48 hours of continuous custody as a tool to enhance treatment compliance and impose other changes in the terms and conditions of probation. The court sh l consider, among other factors, the seriousness of the violation, previous treatment compliance, employment, education, vocational training, medical conditions, medical treatment, including narcotics replacement treatment, and including the opinion of the defendant's licensed and treating physician if immediately available and presented at the hearing, child support obligations, and family responsibilities. The court shall consider additional conditions of probation, which may include, but are not limited to, community service and supervised work programs. If one of the circumstances of the violation involves recent drug use, as well as other circumstances of violation, and the circumstance of recent drug use is demonstrated to the court by satisfactory evidence and a finding made on the record, the court may, after receiving input from treatment and probation, if available, direct the defendant to enter a licensed detoxification or residential treatment facility, and if there is no bed immediately availabl in that type of facility, the court may order that the defendant be confined in a county jail for detoxification purposes only, if the jail offers detoxification services, for a period not to exceed 10 days. The detoxification services must provide narcotic replacement therapy for those defendants presently actually receiving narcotic replacement therapy. (B) If a defendant receives probation under subdivision (a), and for the second time violates that probation either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or a misdemeanor for simple possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, being present where drugs are used, or failure to register as a drug offender, or any activity similar to those listed in subdivision (d) of Section 1210, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves to revoke probation, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. The trial court shall revoke probation if the alleged probation violation is prove and the state proves by a preponderance of the evidence either that the defendant poses a danger to the safety of others or is unamenable to drug treatment. In determining whether a defendant is unamenable to drug treatment, the court may consider, to the extent relevant, whether the defendant (i) has committed a serious violation of rules at the drug treatment program, (ii) has repeatedly committed violations of program rules that inhibit the defendant's ability to function in the program, or (iii) has continually refused to participate in the program or asked to be removed from the program. If the court does not revoke probation, it may intensify or alter the drug treatment plan, and may, in addition, if the violation does not involve the recent use of drugs as a circumstance of the violation, including, but not limited to, violations relating to failure to appear at treatment or court, noncompliance with treatment, and failure to report for drug testing, impose sanctions including jail sanctions that may t exceed 120 hours of continuous custody as a tool to enhance treatment compliance and impose other changes in the terms and conditions of probation. The court shall consider, among other factors, the seriousness of the violation, previous treatment compliance, employment, education, vocational training, medical conditions, medical treatment, including narcotics replacement treatment, and including the opinion of the defendant's licensed and treating physician if immediately available and presented at the hearing, child support obligations, and family responsibilities. The court shall consider additional conditions of probation, which may include, but are not limited to, community service and supervised work programs. If one of the circumstances of the violation involves recent drug use, as well as other circumstances of violation, and the circumstance of recent drug use is demonstrated to the court by satisfactory evidence and a finding made on the record, the court may, after receiving input from treatment nd probation, if available, direct the defendant to enter a licensed detoxification or residential treatment facility, and if there is no bed immediately available in the facility, the court may order that the defendant be confined in a county jail for detoxification purposes only, if the jail offers detoxification services, for a period not to exceed 10 days. Detoxification services must provide narcotic replacement therapy for those defendants presently actually receiving narcotic replacement therapy. (C) If a defendant receives probation under subdivision (a), and for the third or subsequent time violates that probation either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves for a third or subsequent time to revoke probation, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. If the alleged probation violation is proved, the defendant is not eligible for continued probation under subdivision (a unless the court determines that the defendant is not a danger to the community and would benefit from further treatment under subdivision (a). The court may then either intensify or alter the treatment plan under subdivision (a) or transfer the defendant to a highly structured drug court. If the court continues the defendant in treatment under subdivision (a), or drug court, the court may impose appropriate sanctions including jail sanctions as the court deems appropriate. (D) If a defendant on probation at the effective date of this act for a nonviolent drug possession offense violates that probation either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or a misdemeanor for simple possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, being present where drugs are used, or failure to register as a drug offender, or any activity similar to those listed in subdivision (d) of Section 1210, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves to revoke probation, the court shall conduc a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. The trial court shall revoke probation if the alleged probation violation is proved and the state proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant poses a danger to the safety of others. If the court does not revoke probation, it may modify or alter the treatment plan, and in addition, if the violation does not involve the recent use of drugs as a circumstance of the violation, including, but not limited to, violations relating to failure to appear at treatment or court, noncompliance with treatment, and failure to report for drug testing, the court may impose sanctions including jail sanctions that may not exceed 48 hours of continuous custody as a tool to enhance treatment compliance and impose other changes in the terms and conditions of probation. The court shall consider, among other factors, the seriousness of the violation, previous treatment compliance, employment, education, vocational training, medical conditions, medical treatm t, including narcotics replacement treatment, and including the opinion of the defendant's licensed and treating physician if immediately available and presented at the hearing, child support obligations, and family responsibilities. The court shall consider additional conditions of probation, which may include, but are not limited to, community service and supervised work programs. If one of the circumstances of the violation involves recent drug use, as well as other circumstances of violation, and the circumstance of recent drug use is demonstrated to the court by satisfactory evidence and a finding made on the record, the court may, after receiving input from treatment and probation, if available, direct the defendant to enter a licensed detoxification or residential treatment facility, and if there is no bed immediately available in that type of facility, the court may order that the defendant be confined in a county jail for detoxification purposes only, if the jail offers detoxification services, for period not to exceed 10 days. The detoxification services must provide narcotic replacement therapy for those defendants presently actually receiving narcotic replacement therapy. (E) If a defendant on probation at the effective date of this act for a nonviolent drug possession offense violates that probation a second time either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or a misdemeanor for simple possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, being present where drugs are used, or failure to register as a drug offender, or any activity similar to those listed in subdivision (d) of Section 1210, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves for a second time to revoke probation, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. The trial court shall revoke probation if the alleged probation violation is proved and the state proves by a preponderance of the evidence either that the defendant poses a danger to the safety of others o that the defendant is unamenable to drug treatment. If the court does not revoke probation, it may modify or alter the treatment plan, and in addition, if the violation does not involve the recent use of drugs as a circumstance of the violation, including, but not limited to, violations relating to failure to appear at treatment or court, noncompliance with treatment, and failure to report for drug testing, the court may impose sanctions including jail sanctions that may not exceed 120 hours of continuous custody as a tool to enhance treatment compliance and impose other changes in the terms and conditions of probation. The court shall consider, among other factors, the seriousness of the violation, previous treatment compliance, employment, education, vocational training, medical conditions, medical treatment including narcotics replacement treatment, and including the opinion of the defendant's licensed and treating physician if immediately available and presented at the hearing, child support obligations, nd family responsibilities. The court shall consider additional conditions of probation, which may include, but are not limited to, community service and supervised work programs. If one of the circumstances of the violation involves recent drug use, as well as other circumstances of violation, and the circumstance of recent drug use is demonstrated to the court by satisfactory evidence and a finding made on the record, the court may, after receiving input from treatment and probation, if available, direct the defendant to enter a licensed detoxification or residential treatment facility, and if there is no bed immediately available in that type of facility, the court may order that the defendant be confined in a county jail for detoxification purposes only, if the jail offers detoxification services, for a period not to exceed 10 days. The detoxification services must provide narcotic replacement therapy for those defendants presently actually receiving narcotic replacement therapy. (F) If a defendant on robation at the effective date of this act for a nonviolent drug offense violates that probation a third or subsequent time either by committing a nonviolent drug possession offense, or by violating a drug-related condition of probation, and the state moves for a third or subsequent time to revoke probation, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probation shall be revoked. If the alleged probation violation is proved, the defendant is not eligible for continued probation under subdivision (a), unless the court determines that the defendant is not a danger to the community and would benefit from further treatment under subdivision (a). The court may then either intensify or alter the treatment plan under subdivision (a) or transfer the defendant to a highly structured drug court. If the court continues the defendant in treatment under subdivision (a), or drug court, the court may impose appropriate sanctions including jail sanctions.

(g) The term "drug-related condition of probation" shall nclude a probationer's specific drug treatment regimen, employment, vocational training, educational programs, psychological counseling, and family counseling.

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California Proposition 36

Substance Abuse And Crime Prevention Act Of 2000

 

SECTION 2. Findings and Declarations
The People of the State of California hereby find and declare all of the following:

(a) Substance abuse treatment is a proven public safety and health measure. Non-violent, drug dependent criminal offenders who receive drug treatment are much less likely to abuse drugs and commit future crimes, and are likelier to live healthier, more stable and more productive lives.
(b) Community safety and health are promoted, and taxpayer dollars are saved, when nonviolent persons convicted of drug possession or drug use are provided appropriate community-based treatment instead of incarceration.
(c) In 1996, Arizona voters by a 2-1 margin passed the Drug Medicalization, Prevention, and Control Act which diverted non-violent drug offenders into drug treatment and education services rather than incarceration. According to a Report Card prepared by the Arizona Supreme Court, the Arizona law: is "resulting in safer communities and more substance abusing probationers in recovery," has already saved state taxpayers millions of dollars, and is helping more than 75% of program participants to remain drug free.

SECTION 3. Purpose and Intent
The People of the State of California hereby declare their purpose and intent in enacting this Act to be as follows:

(a) To divert from incarceration into community-based substance abuse treatment programs non-violent defendants, probationers and parolees charged with simple drug possession or drug use offenses;
(b) To halt the wasteful expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars each year on the incarceration – and re-incarceration – of non-violent drug users who would be better served by community-based treatment; and
(c) To enhance public safety by reducing drug-related crime and preserving jails and prison cells for serious and violent offenders, and to improve public health by reducing drug abuse and drug dependence through proven and effective drug treatment strategies.

The proposition amended California Penal Code 1210, 3063.1 and California Health And Safety Code 10.8, mandating probation and drug treatment rather than incarceration. Since most first time drug offenses fall under the purview of Prop 36, there are more convictions eligible for PC 1203.4 expungement due to the fact that these cases do not now entail state prison in the sentencing.

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