Trusted Criminal & DUI Defense Attorneys Serving El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento Counties
A criminal record doesn’t have to follow you for life. At Tiemann Defense, our experienced criminal and DUI defense attorneys help clients in El Dorado County, Placer County, and Sacramento County pursue every legal option available to clear or reduce the impact of past arrests and convictions.
Why Clearing Your Record Matters
A criminal record can affect:
- Employment and professional licensing
- Housing and loan applications
- Educational opportunities
- Immigration status
- Your overall reputation and peace of mind
California law offers several legal pathways to clean your record or reduce the impact of a past conviction, even if your case is years old.
Legal Options to Clear or Reduce a Criminal Record in California
1. Expungement (Penal Code § 1203.4)
An expungement allows you to withdraw a guilty or no contest plea, have the case dismissed, and legally say you have not been convicted (with some exceptions).
✅ Available for most misdemeanors and many felonies if probation was completed.
❌ Not available for certain sex crimes or state prison sentences (unless reclassified under realignment).
We handle expungements in Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer counties regularly and can often process your case without you appearing in court.
2. Felony Reduction to a Misdemeanor (Penal Code § 17(b))
If you were convicted of a wobbler offense — a crime that could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony — you may be eligible to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor under PC § 17(b).
✅ Makes you eligible for expungement
✅ Restores rights lost due to felony status (like gun rights, in some cases)
✅ May help with immigration and employment
We frequently petition for 17(b) reductions alongside expungements to fully minimize your record’s impact.
3. Record Sealing (Arrest Records & Diversion Cases)
Under Penal Code §§ 851.87, 851.8, and the Clean Slate Act, you may be able to seal your arrest record if:
- You were arrested but never charged
- Your case was dismissed
- You completed a diversion program (PC § 1000, mental health, veterans, etc.)
Once sealed, your record is hidden from most employers, landlords, and background checks.
4. Finding of Factual Innocence (Penal Code § 851.8)
This is one of the most powerful forms of record clearing in California. A successful petition results in the complete destruction of arrest records.
To qualify, you must prove there was no reasonable cause for the arrest — meaning you were factually innocent.
✅ All records are sealed and destroyed by law enforcement
✅ Must be filed within 2 years of the arrest (with some exceptions)
✅ Especially valuable for professionals, students, and those in sensitive careers
Tiemann Defense has experience filing factual innocence petitions in all three counties. We’ll gather evidence, file motions, and represent you in court.
5. Early Termination of Probation (Penal Code § 1203.3)
If you’re still on probation, we can file a motion to end it early — often making you eligible for expungement or felony reduction sooner.
We prepare and file all necessary documents and appear in court on your behalf.
6. Certificates of Rehabilitation (Penal Code § 4852.01)
This court-issued certificate is a statement of your rehabilitation and a step toward a Governor’s pardon.
✅ Available for many felony convictions
✅ Helps restore civil rights
✅ Required for sex offender relief in some cases
We help eligible clients prepare and present compelling petitions to the court.
7. Governor’s Pardon
A pardon by the Governor of California can:
- Restore gun rights (depending on the offense)
- Improve immigration outcomes
- Reinstate professional licensing and civil rights
We assist clients in building strong applications, including letters of support and evidence of rehabilitation.
Why Hire Tiemann Defense?
We’re not just criminal defense attorneys — we’re record clearing specialists serving:
- El Dorado County (Placerville, South Lake Tahoe)
- Placer County (Roseville, Auburn, Lincoln)
- Sacramento County (Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom)
We understand local courts, prosecutors, and how to navigate the post-conviction relief process quickly and effectively.
What Sets Us Apart:
✔️ Free case evaluations
✔️ Flat-rate pricing on most services
✔️ Court appearance often not required
✔️ Fast filings and court motions
✔️ Thousands of successful criminal defense and expungement cases