IMPORTANT NOTICE
COVID-19 Update! We are still open and accepting appointments. Please call us at (925) 262-8406 for any help.
A moment of poor judgment shouldn't define the rest of your life. However, living with a felony conviction can feel like you're dragging an invisible chain that limits your opportunities and leaves you feeling helpless. It can create barriers to finding housing or securing meaningful employment, leaving you caught in a constant state of frustration and regret.
But there is hope. California law offers real solutions for moving forward and leaving the past behind. If you’re in Concord or the greater Contra Costa County area, taking the first step toward a fresh start begins with understanding your options.
The legal process to clear your record can feel overwhelming, filled with complicated requirements and deadlines. But you don’t have to carry this weight alone. At The Law Office of Derek R. Ewin, we know how deeply a conviction can impact your life.
Backed by over 30 years of criminal law experience and 11 years as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County, Derek Ewin offers a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach. He has walked alongside countless clients in the Concord area, helping them reclaim their lives and find freedom from the criminal justice system.
California provides several paths for individuals seeking post-conviction relief. These options are meant to honor rehabilitation and offer second chances. The right path for you often depends on the specifics of your case, especially the felony’s nature and your sentence details.
Under California Penal Code § 17(b), some felony offenses, commonly referred to as “wobblers”, may be reduced to a misdemeanor. These are crimes that could have been charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor at the discretion of the prosecutor. Once you successfully complete probation, a judge has the authority to reclassify the conviction as a misdemeanor.
This reduction can restore rights that were limited by the felony conviction and make it easier to take additional legal steps, such as expungement. It’s a life-changing way to start rebuilding the opportunities that may have felt out of reach.
One of the most common post-conviction remedies in California is expungement, formally known as a Petition for Dismissal. While an expungement doesn’t completely erase the felony from your record, it updates the record to show that your conviction has been dismissed. For many, this provides a sense of closure and the ability to legally state that you have not been convicted of that crime for most employment purposes.
Eligibility for expungement depends on meeting specific criteria, such as successfully completing probation and avoiding state prison time for the offense. The process involves filing a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) and notifying the District Attorney, with the decision ultimately resting with a judge. Expungement opens doors that may have seemed permanently closed, giving you the chance to build a future unhindered by the mistakes of your past.
For those who served time in a California state prison and are ineligible for expungement, a Certificate of Rehabilitation could be the key to your second chance. This court order formally declares your rehabilitation and reflects your status as a reformed, law-abiding community member.
A Certificate of Rehabilitation comes with a longer waiting period, often seven years of demonstrated lawful behavior, and could lead to further relief such as applying for a Governor’s Pardon. Though the process requires patience and evidence of your reformed life, achieving this certificate can be a significant milestone and serve as a testament to your growth and commitment to a brighter future.
If your conviction occurred in Concord, your journey to clear your record starts at the Contra Costa County Superior Court, located at 2970 Willow Pass Road, Concord, CA 94519. The path to relief can be time-intensive, often requiring six to eight months just to secure a hearing date.
Your petition must also be served to the District Attorney’s office, which could object to your request. A judge will carefully review your case, evaluate your evidence of rehabilitation, and consider any objections before making a decision. Given this complexity, having legal representation from a skilled attorney who is deeply familiar with the Concord legal system can make a tremendous difference in the outcome.
Clearing your felony record involves navigating precise legal processes with little room for error. A single bureaucratic misstep, whether it’s an incorrectly filled form or a missed filing deadline, can cause unnecessary delays or even result in denial. This is why having an experienced felony lawyer on your side is invaluable.
Derek Ewin brings more than three decades of extensive legal experience to the table. Having prosecuted thousands of cases as a Deputy District Attorney, he understands both the prosecution’s strategies and the intricacies of the local court system in Concord, CA. This unique perspective enables Derek to craft compelling arguments on behalf of his clients, advocating for their second chances with skill, dedication, and unmatched insight.
At The Law Office of Derek R. Ewin, personalized and tireless representation is at the heart of every case. Derek knows how high the stakes are for you, and his goal is to help you navigate this crucial process with confidence and clarity.
A felony conviction doesn’t have to dictate your future. The law provides opportunities for redemption, and there is no better time than now to seize them. Whether you’re seeking to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, pursue expungement, or apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, the road to freedom starts with the right legal advocate by your side.
If you’re ready to overcome the obstacles of your past and step into a brighter future in Concord, CA, contact The Law Office of Derek R. Ewin today at (925) 205-6718 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take back control of your life and ensure that one mistake doesn’t hold you back any longer.
Copyright © 2026, The Law Office of Derek R. Ewin. All Rights Reserved.
