Expungement Services in California

As of July 1, 2023, California implemented Senate Bill 731 (SB 731), which expands eligibility for expungement. Under this law, individuals with certain felony convictions, including those who served time in state prison, may now qualify to petition for expungement under Penal Code §1203.41, provided at least two years have passed since completing their sentence. Additionally, SB 731 introduces an automatic expungement process for specific lower-level offenses, eliminating the need to file a petition in many cases.

Yes, law enforcement agencies and certain government entities retain access to expunged records. While expungement removes the conviction from public view and allows individuals to state they have no convictions in most situations, these records can still be reviewed for purposes like background checks for law enforcement employment or licensing.

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement in California, including:

• Serious sex offenses involving minors

• Murder

• Rape

• Arson

• Terrorism

Additionally, individuals currently serving a sentence, on probation, or facing new charges are not eligible for expungement.

The cost of expungement varies:

• Court Filing Fee: Fees can range from $0 to $150, depending on the county and the nature of the offense.

• Attorney Fees: Expungement attorneys may charge:

  • Infraction Expungement: $900

  • Misdemeanor Expungement: $900

  • Misdemeanor DUI Expungement: $1,075

  • Felony Expungement: $1,200 (includes reduction to misdemeanor when eligible)

At Laguna Legal, we offer affordable expungement services. Contact us today to learn more.

The expungement process typically takes between 30 to 120 days from the date of filing. However, processing times can vary depending on the court’s workload and the specifics of the case.

Generally, expungements are not reversible. However, in certain situations, such as if new criminal charges are filed or if the expungement was granted based on false information, a court may vacate the expungement.

The Clean Slate Program is a reentry initiative that provides free legal services to individuals convicted of criminal offenses who are eligible for record clearance. The program aims to help individuals clear eligible convictions to facilitate better access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

As mentioned, the expungement process usually takes about 30 to 120 days. Once granted, the conviction is dismissed, and the individual can legally state they have not been convicted of that offense, with some exceptions.

An experienced attorney can ensure eligibility, prepare and file all paperwork accurately, and advocate for you in court. However, they are expensive. At Laguna Legal, we offer the same expungement expertise at lower prices. Contact us today to learn more.