Expungement Services in Aliso Viejo, CA

As of July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 (SB 731) expanded who may qualify to have their criminal record sealed in Aliso Viejo and across California. Under this new law, many non-violent, non-serious, and non-sexual felony convictions can now be automatically sealed—even for individuals who previously served time in state prison. For more serious cases, record sealing may still be possible through a petition filed with the court. To further support this effort, the California Department of Justice now reviews cases every month to identify and process those that meet the updated eligibility requirements.

It’s important to understand that even after an expungement, your record is not permanently erased. Although it will no longer show up on most background checks or be available to the general public, certain agencies and law enforcement can still access it when necessary—for example, during official investigations or for specific types of employment screenings.

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under California law, including:

• Murder and attempted murder

• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter

• Serious sex offenses (e.g., rape, child pornography)

• Certain violent crimes

• Specific domestic violence offenses

• Felonies committed while on probation

• Some traffic offenses

Costs can vary based on the case:

• Court filing fees: Typically $150 for felonies and $60 for misdemeanors in Orange County.

• Attorney fees: Range from $900 to $1,200, depending on the complexity and whether felony reduction is involved.

Some services offer bundled packages, including motions for early probation termination or felony reduction.

In Aliso Viejo, CA, the expungement process generally takes around 10 to 16 weeks, but the exact timeline can vary depending on the court’s schedule and the specifics of your situation.

Once your expungement is granted in Aliso Viejo, it is generally permanent and not subject to reversal. Only in uncommon situations—such as being charged with a new crime—might a court decide to review or reopen the sealed record.

As noted earlier, most expungement cases in Aliso Viejo are finalized within 10 to 16 weeks. The actual timeframe depends on the court’s calendar and whether your case requires a formal hearing.

Hiring an experienced expungement attorney can:

• Ensure accurate and complete paperwork

• Navigate complex legal procedures

• Advocate on your behalf in court

• Increase the likelihood of a successful outcome

Attorneys familiar with Orange County courts can expedite the process and address any challenges effectively.