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If you’re looking to clear your record in Lake Forest, you don’t have to pay high attorney fees to get it done. At Laguna Legal, we simplify the expungement process by preparing and filing all the necessary documents for you. With years of experience working with Orange County courts, our team ensures your paperwork is completed correctly and filed on time — helping you move forward with confidence and a clean slate.
Through the expungement process, certain convictions can be dismissed, allowing you to legally state that you have no criminal record on most job or housing applications. Having your record cleared can unlock better career opportunities, simplify the process of obtaining professional licenses, and give you a renewed sense of confidence as you start the next chapter of your life in Lake Forest.
Beginning July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 broadened statewide eligibility for record sealing, benefiting residents throughout Lake Forest and Orange County. Under this law, many nonviolent, nonserious felony convictions that are not related to sexual offenses may now qualify for automatic sealing, even for individuals who have served time in state prison. For cases requiring additional review, relief can still be pursued by submitting a petition directly to the court. The California Department of Justice now conducts monthly evaluations to identify and seal eligible records under the new provisions.
It’s essential to understand that an expungement doesn’t entirely erase your history. In most situations, your conviction will no longer appear on standard employment or housing background checks in Lake Forest, but law enforcement agencies and specific government entities can still access the record when required. This typically applies to positions that demand extensive background screenings or in cases involving active investigations.
Not every conviction qualifies for expungement under California law. If you’re a Lake Forest resident, the following offenses generally cannot be cleared from your record:
Murder or attempted murder
Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter
Serious sexual offenses such as rape or possession of child pornography
Certain violent crimes restricted by statute
Some domestic violence convictions
Felonies committed while on probation
Specific traffic-related offenses
Even if your conviction doesn’t meet the requirements for expungement, you may still have other legal options available based on the circumstances of your case.
The cost of expungement in California can vary based on your county and the specifics of your case. For those living in Lake Forest, common expenses may include:
Court filing fees – Generally around $150 for felonies and $60 for misdemeanors, though exact amounts depend on the county.
Attorney fees – Many law offices charge $900–$1,200, depending on case complexity and whether a felony reduction is required.
Service packages – Some legal providers bundle expungement with related motions, such as probation termination or felony reduction, for a higher overall fee.
At Laguna Legal, we believe in transparent, affordable pricing. Our goal is to help Lake Forest residents clear their records without the burden of unnecessary legal costs.
In most parts of California, expungement cases are typically processed within 10 to 16 weeks. For Lake Forest residents, the exact timeframe depends on the Orange County court’s schedule and whether your case requires a hearing before a judge. If your case involves additional motions or complex filings, the process may take a bit longer to complete.
Once your expungement is approved in Lake Forest, it becomes permanent and final in nearly all cases. Only in rare instances—such as when new criminal charges are brought forward—might the court reconsider or reopen a sealed record.
Working with a knowledgeable legal professional can make a significant difference when pursuing an expungement in Lake Forest. The right expert can:
Ensure your paperwork is accurate and properly filed
Manage the court process so you don’t have to handle it alone
Represent you if a hearing or additional documentation is required
Increase your chances of a successful outcome
Professionals familiar with the Orange County court system can often move cases forward more efficiently and know how to navigate potential challenges along the way.
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About Us
We’ve been providing Southern California with Excellent Legal Document and Divorce Mediation services since 1998.
We service the following counties: Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Imperial.
Contact Us
Address:
Laguna Legal Headquarters
24800 Chrisanta Drive, Suite 200
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone:
800-497-9850
Fax:
949-497-9877
Email:
team@lagunalegalhelp.com
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aBonded and Certified Legal Document Assistant, LDA #267. We are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. A Legal Document Assistant provides only self help service to a member of the public who is representing him/her self in a legal matter. We are, however, very experienced and knowledgeable in preparation of living trusts, deeds and other legal documents including divorce mediation. We work closely with several attorneys who can give you the legal advice you need.
