Record Clearance & Expungement
A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life. Even a relatively minor offense can sometimes feel like a permanent punishment, haunting your job prospects, housing opportunities, and even travel plans. Certain convictions carry life-altering consequences – you could lose professional licenses, be barred from owning a firearm, or even be forced to register as a sex offender.
At VIB Law, we believe your past mistakes shouldn’t define your future. Our firm brings together over 70 years of combined criminal law experience in California. We’ve handled everything from routine expungements (such as clearing a DUI or Domestic Violence conviction) to very complex post-conviction processes like obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation. We also assist with sealing juvenile crime records when eligible, ensuring a youthful mistake doesn’t derail your adult life.
Few law firms handle the full spectrum of post-conviction relief that we do, and our expungement lawyers are often able to get our clients’ arrest records sealed or prior convictions expunged when others thought it impossible. We take pride in helping you move forward and put past problems behind you. (As San Jose’s leading criminal defense firm, we offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your situation and outline your options.)
Riccardo Ippolito
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245
How Can You Clear Your Criminal Record?
California law provides several post-conviction relief options to help you put your past behind you. As experienced expungement attorneys, we will identify which remedies you qualify for and handle all the legal steps on your behalf. Some of the most common record-clearance services we offer include:
Expungement (Dismissal of Conviction – PC §1203.4)
An expungement is the reopening and dismissal of a conviction after you’ve successfully completed probation or served your sentence. Our attorneys petition the court to withdraw your guilty/no contest plea (or verdict) and have the case dismissed. Once granted, your record is updated to show the charge as dismissed – meaning you are no longer considered convicted of that offense. You can legally answer that you have not been convicted, with a few exceptions for certain applications.
Expungement releases you from “all penalties and disabilities” of the conviction in most situations, helping to clean up background checks for employment and more.
Note: Some serious offenses – for example, certain sex crimes – are not eligible for expungement, and expunged felonies do not automatically restore gun rights. Our attorneys will advise you on any such limitations in your case.
Arrest Record Sealing (Seal & Destroy Arrest Records – PC §§851.8, 851.91; SB 393 (2018))
If you were arrested but never convicted, or if your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you shouldn’t have to carry that arrest on your record. California allows you to petition to seal and destroy arrest records so they do not show up on background checks – it’s as if the incident never happened.
This is often done through a Petition for Factual Innocence (PC §851.8) for older arrests, or under newer laws like PC §851.91 / SB 393 (2018), which made it much easier to seal arrest records that didn’t result in conviction. Our lawyers are very familiar with these motions and file them frequently in courts throughout San Jose and the Bay Area. If you’re eligible, we will gather the evidence and aggressively petition the court to seal your arrest record, giving you a truly clean slate on background checks.
Certificate of Rehabilitation (PC §§4852.01 – 4852.21)
A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order declaring that a person with a past conviction has been rehabilitated. It is generally used for more serious felonies – especially those that involved state prison sentences or offenses not eligible for standard expungement. Obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation is a lengthy, complex process that involves demonstrating to a judge how you have turned your life around (showing steady employment, community involvement, good conduct, etc. over many years).
It is important to understand that a Certificate of Rehabilitation no longer relieves a person of the duty to register as a sex offender under PC §290 (a change made by AB 2845, effective Jan. 1, 2021). Instead, its primary value is as an official judicial finding of rehabilitation. Our attorneys will evaluate your eligibility and, if appropriate, guide you through every step — from gathering supporting documentation to representing you at the hearing — to maximize your chances of success in obtaining this formal recognition of rehabilitation.
How VIB Law Can Help
When you consult with VIB Law, we’ll explain which of these options fits your situation and give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of success. In every case, our mission is the same: to clear your record so it no longer interferes with your future opportunities.
Testimonials
Please Note: All testimonials have been anonymized for privacy and sensitivity.
Practice Area: Registry Removal
“I was stuck on the Sex Offender Registry for nearly three decades due to a misdemeanor from 1994. VIB Law got me off the list in six months, ending a long nightmare and giving me my life back. They were compassionate, effective, and didn’t overcharge like my previous lawyer. I’m deeply grateful.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
This case involved challenging long-term registry removal for a misdemeanor. Our team secured a successful petition, lifting the burden from the client and restoring their freedom. This case met with much opposition by the DA’s office. Eventually we were able to convince the Judge that our client was not a threat to the community given the amount of time that had passed from the initial case.
Practice Area: Record Clearence & Expungement
“Riccardo was knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and his staff were very responsive. I wish I could give six stars. Highly recommend.”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
We provided thorough legal guidance to ensure a positive expungement outcome, supporting client communication throughout. Our client did everything the court asked. This helped us push the case along and be there for any support needed.
Practice Area: Expungement
“After consulting several attorneys for my brother, Mr. Ippolito stood out for his extensive experience. He exceeded all expectations and got the job done right.”
— Former Client’s Family Member
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
We provided expert representation and exceeded client expectations through skilled legal advocacy. A lot of what we do is keep clients updated on the progress of the case, discuss different strategies to employ and get feedback from our clients. We have realized over the course of time that the anxiety from clients comes from not understanding the process. Once we explain this to them, a lot of their anxiety goes away.
Practice Area: Expungement
“Mr. Ippolito was very responsive and helped get my felony charge dropped. I simply cannot recommend him enough!”
— Former Client
Attorney’s Note: Riccardo Ippolito
Effective communication and aggressive defense led to significant charge reductions for the client.
Benefits of Clearing Your Record
Clearing your criminal record isn’t just a legal formality – it can deliver immediate, tangible benefits that improve your quality of life and future prospects:
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Better Employment Opportunities
Most private employers cannot legally consider an expunged conviction when hiring, and in California an employer cannot even ask about an expunged misdemeanor on a job application. With a clean record, you can confidently answer “no” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime, opening doors to jobs that might otherwise be closed to you.
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Professional Licensing & Education
Many professional licensing boards view expunged convictions more favorably. Clearing your record can remove barriers to obtaining licenses or certifications in fields like real estate, healthcare, or finance. It can also improve your chances of admission to educational programs or credentialing that perform background checks.
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Housing & Financial Benefits
Landlords and lenders often conduct background checks. A dismissed conviction or sealed record means rental applications and loan processes are less likely to be derailed by your past. You can secure housing and financial opportunities without a prior offense hanging over you.
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Restoration of Civil Rights
For more serious felonies, pursuing a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an important milestone in restoring one’s standing and civil rights. This court-issued recognition demonstrates rehabilitation and can lead to tangible benefits, such as improved eligibility for professional licenses, bonding, and employment opportunities. In some cases, it may also relieve certain ongoing legal obligations.
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Peace of Mind & Reputation
Perhaps most importantly, record clearance gives you peace of mind. You no longer have to live in fear of a background check or cringe when asked about your past. Expungement updates your record to show a dismissed case instead of a conviction, allowing you to move forward without the stigma or shame of a criminal record. This fresh start can boost your confidence and personal relationships, knowing that your past is officially behind you.
By removing the legal barriers and social stigma of a criminal record, you truly give yourself the chance to start over. Our goal is to help you achieve that clean slate so you can pursue your dreams without hesitation.
Record Clearance Experts – Why Choose VIB Law?
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Post-Conviction Relief Specialists
We focus on clearing criminal records. Our team has decades of experience with California’s expungement courts and procedures, including tricky petitions that many firms won’t even attempt. We file and win complex motions (like petitions to seal arrest records) that less experienced lawyers often avoid
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Comprehensive Services
VIB Law handles every form of record clearance available. Whether you need a Penal Code §1203.4 expungement, an arrest record sealing, or a Certificate of Rehabilitation, our attorneys are experienced in all post-conviction remedies and will determine the best strategy for your case.
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Proactive & Thorough
We don’t just file paperwork and hope for the best. Our lawyers prepare compelling petitions with supporting evidence to maximize your chance of success. From gathering character references to researching legal nuances, we proactively address any challenges that could arise in your record-clearance process.
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Experienced & Trusted
With over 75 years in criminal law, our firm is one of Northern California’s most experienced and highly respected. VIB Law’s partners have been recognized as top attorneys in their field (including awards like Top Lawyers in California and Juvenile Attorney of the Year), earning us a reputation for excellence and trust.
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Client-Centered Approach
We understand what’s at stake for you. Our attorneys are compassionate and understand the value of second chances – we listen to your story without judgment and tailor our approach to your goals. From your first call to the final court order, you’ll receive personalized attention and updates. We also offer free consultations and flexible payment plans, so nothing stands between you and your fresh start.
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Award-Winning & Highly Rated
VIB Law is consistently rated among the top criminal defense firms in the Bay Area. Our dedication to clients has earned us 5-star reviews and testimonials. We invite you to see what our former clients have to say about how we’ve helped them reclaim their futures.
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Local Lawyers
We know the courts, the judges and the prosecutors. We've been Serving Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz County communities for decades.
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245
Frequently Asked Record Clearance Questions
About VIB Law
When your freedom, reputation, and career are on the line, you owe it to yourself to have the best possible defense – and the most experienced lawyers – on your side. With over 70 years of combined criminal law experience, VIB Law is the largest and most successful criminal defense firm in Northern California. Our partners have consistently been recognized for excellence in their field. Partner Riccardo Ippolito won the “Top Lawyers in California” award from American Lawyer Media, and Partner Patrick Valencia was honored as “Juvenile Attorney of the Year” by San Jose Magazine. We bring that same level of skill and dedication to every client we serve. When the stakes are this high, why would you settle for an “average” law firm?
Contact Us Today
We’re ready to stand by you 24/7 and fight for you when it matters most.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future: Schedule a free, confidential consultation. An experienced defense attorney will listen to your story and outline a plan – at no charge. We offer flexible scheduling (evenings or weekends) and payment plans, because everyone deserves top-quality defense regardless of budget.
For Urgent Matters:
Call: (408) 920-9720 or Toll-Free: 1-877-766-5245