How Much Does Expungement Cost in California — Compare Attorney Fees vs Laguna Legal’s Affordable Document Prep

You can often clear a California conviction for several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the crime and whether you hire an attorney. If you handle the paperwork yourself or use a legal document preparation service like Laguna Legal, your out‑of‑pocket cost will usually be far lower than hiring an attorney, which commonly runs from about $2,500 (or more). 

This post walks you through what drives those costs, from court filing fees to attorney fees, and where a document preparation service can save you money while guiding you through forms and filings. You’ll learn which factors — case type, county, number of cases, and need for motions or hearings — can push costs up or down, and how Laguna Legal helps you complete the process without the higher attorney price tag.

What Is Expungement in California?

Expungement lets you ask the court to dismiss certain convictions so your record looks better for jobs and housing. It can mean withdrawing a guilty or no-contest plea, serving any remaining supervision, and getting the case set aside under California law.

Definition and Overview

Expungement in California is a court process under Penal Code §1203.4 that can set aside a conviction for many misdemeanors and some felonies. If the court grants the petition, the conviction is marked “dismissed,” which helps when employers or landlords check your record. It does not erase the arrest or all public records, but it does change the formal status of the case.

You must meet conditions like completing probation or serving the sentence and not having pending charges. Certain convictions—such as some serious sex offenses or convictions requiring registration—often cannot be expunged. Filing typically involves a written petition, supporting documents, and a court hearing in the county where you were convicted.

Types of Expungement

California uses a few related remedies, and they work differently:

• Dismissal under §1203.4: Sets aside many misdemeanor and eligible felony convictions after sentence completion.
• Reduction to a misdemeanor: Some felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors under specific codes, which then may be dismissed.
• Sealing juvenile records: A separate process that hides juvenile cases from most public searches.
• 851.91 sealing of arrest records: Stops public access when no conviction resulted or charges were dismissed.

Each option affects your record differently. A §1203.4 dismissal improves job and housing prospects but may not remove federal employment barriers. Sealing juvenile files gives stronger privacy protections than adult dismissals.

Who Qualifies

You qualify for a §1203.4 dismissal if you completed probation, paid fines, and have no current felony charges. If you served time in county jail instead of probation, you might still qualify if you meet other conditions. Certain offenses—like some sex crimes, violent felonies, or offenses requiring sex-offender registration—are often excluded.

If you have a felony you want reduced, eligibility depends on the specific statute and the court’s finding. Juvenile record sealing has different rules and often stricter age-related limits. If your case is complex, an attorney can advise on eligibility; expect attorney fees commonly ranging from $2,500 or more, depending on the county and complexity, while using Laguna Legal for document preparation will be far less costly.

Attorney Fees versus Legal Document Preparation Services

You can save a lot by using a document preparer for forms and filings, while an attorney handles complex hearings, negotiations, or cases with multiple charges. Below, we compare typical attorney cost ranges to what Laguna Legal provides and explain the factors that drive attorney pricing.

Average Attorney Costs for Expungement

Attorneys in California usually charge by flat fee or hourly rate. Flat fees are typically $2,500, while hourly rates typically fall between $350 and $500 per hour, depending on location and experience. You’ll likely pay more in big metropolitan areas compared to less populated ones. 

You should expect added costs for time in court, travel, motions, or plea negotiations. Attorneys may also bill for phone calls and document review. If you have multiple cases, expect separate fees per case unless the attorney offers a bundled price.

How Laguna Legal Can Help

At Laguna Legal, we prepare and file your expungement paperwork correctly the first time. We guide you through forms, court rules, and service requirements so you meet deadlines and avoid costly mistakes. You work with trained staff here in Mission Viejo, which helps keep your costs lower. We do not provide legal advice or represent you in hearings. 

At Laguna Legal, we charge $950 to file a Petition for Relief under Penal Code 1203.4. If a hearing is required at the request of the court (this usually isn’t necessary), then there will be an additional charge of $950 to prepare all necessary documents for the hearing. In most cases, an expungement can be fully completed for just one payment of $950.

Factors Affecting Attorney Pricing

Several clear factors raise attorney costs: case complexity, number of charges, prior convictions, need for court appearances, and whether plea bargaining or motion practice is necessary. Geographic location also matters — attorneys in Los Angeles or San Diego generally charge more than those in smaller counties.

Urgency increases price; rush filings or last-minute appearances often bring higher fees. If an attorney must obtain records, hire investigators, or file multiple motions, expect higher totals. Ask attorneys for itemized estimates so you can compare their likely cost to Laguna Legal’s document preparation service.

You can also avoid the higher, more complex attorney fees by working with Laguna Legal or filing yourself.

The Expungement Process with Laguna Legal

We handle paperwork, court rules, and filing so you avoid costly mistakes. You get clear steps, a checklist of documents, and an estimated timeline for each task.

Steps We Take for You

We review your case to confirm eligibility under California Penal Code 1203.4. You’ll receive a written intake summary that lists each conviction, case number, and the exact court where filings must go.

We prepare the petition for dismissal, proposed order, and any local court forms. We check arrest and disposition records, draft the filing packet, and make sure forms meet the court’s formatting and signature rules. If a local court requires additional documents, we add those too.  We serve the District Attorney and file the appropriate Proof of Service.  

We file the petition with the correct court clerk and follow up until the judge signs or sets a hearing. We track filing receipts, calendar court dates, and send you status updates. If a hearing is required, we prepare a clear hearing memo you can use. Working with Laguna Legal saves you from higher attorney fees, which commonly range from $2,500 or more, depending on complexity.

What You Need to Provide

Give us a copy of your criminal record or case information: case number, court name, charge(s), and date of conviction. If you don’t have records, we can pull them for you by providing our office with a copy of your Driver’s License.

Provide proof that you completed probation, parole, or sentencing conditions. Acceptable items include a Probation Officer letter, court minute order showing probation completion, or a certificate of completion for required programs.

Share current contact information and a government ID. If the case involves multiple courts, list each case and any related court documents you have. Clear, accurate documents speed up the process.

Estimated Turnaround Times

Initial case review and eligibility check usually take 3–5 business days after we receive all documents. We will notify you if records need to be requested from the court; that can add a delay depending on the county.

Once we prepare the packet, the typical internal preparation time is approximately 5 business days. Filing times vary by court; many Southern California courts process filings in 2–6 weeks, though some take longer.

If the judge sets a hearing, expect 4–12 weeks for a hearing date in most counties. We will track the case and update you at each stage. Remember, attorney-led expungements usually cost more and may have different timelines; attorney fees often range from $2,500+ while Laguna Legal focuses on lower-cost document preparation, starting at just $950.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs

You need to balance cost, risk, and the paperwork time. Pick the option that fits the complexity of your case, your comfort with forms, and your budget.

Comparing Value and Service

Compare what you pay to what you get. Hiring an attorney typically costs between $2,500 or more, depending on case complexity and court appearances. Attorneys handle legal strategy and court advocacy, which matters if your case has probation issues, multiple charges, or a recent conviction.

Using a document preparation service gives you certified forms, step-by-step filing help, and lower fees than an attorney. 

When You Might Need an Attorney

You should use an attorney when your case raises legal risks that need advocacy. Examples include unresolved probation terms, felony charges that might require plea negotiations, or cases with multiple jurisdictions. Attorneys help argue for sentence reductions, handle contested hearings, and represent you in court.

Expect attorney fees to vary by experience and complexity. Simple cases may run around $2,500. Complex matters often go from $2,500 to $4,000+ and can increase if there are contested hearings. If cost is a concern, ask the attorney for a cost estimate and what tasks they will perform.

If your matter is straightforward, one eligible misdemeanor, or a clear statutory dismissal, you may not need courtroom representation. In those cases, a document preparation service can handle the paperwork accurately and save you money while you manage the filing.

How to Get Started with Laguna Legal

Start by gathering your case documents such as court case numbers and conviction dates. Bring or send us copies of your driver’s license and criminal case summary. Pay our fee of $950 and we will handle everything else from serving the District Attorney, Preparing the Proof of Service, Preparing the Petition and Order, and we handle all the filings.  We look forward to helping you. 

Contact us today to get started!