Expungement Services in Costa Mesa, CA

Beginning July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 (SB 731) expanded eligibility for record sealing in Costa Mesa and across the state. Under this law, many nonviolent, nonserious, and nonsexual felony convictions may now be sealed automatically, even for individuals who have served time in state prison. For more serious offenses, it may still be possible to request record sealing through a petition to the court. In addition, the California Department of Justice now conducts monthly reviews to identify and process cases that qualify under the updated requirements.

It is important to understand that even after an expungement in Costa Mesa, your record is not completely erased. While it will no longer appear in most background checks or be visible to the public, certain government agencies and law enforcement can still access it when necessary. This may occur in situations such as ongoing investigations or during specialized employment screenings that require a deeper review of your background.

Not every conviction is eligible for expungement in Costa Mesa. Under California law, the following offenses cannot be cleared:

• Murder or attempted murder

• Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter

• Serious sex crimes such as rape or child pornography

• Certain violent offenses

• Specific domestic violence charges

• Felonies committed while serving probation

• Some traffic-related offenses

The cost of expungement in Costa Mesa can vary based on the specifics of your case:

• Court filing fees: Usually about $150 for felony cases and $60 for misdemeanors in Orange County

• Attorney fees: Commonly range between $900 and $1,200, depending on case complexity and whether a felony reduction is requested

• Bundled services: Some providers offer package deals that may also include motions for early probation termination or felony reduction

In Costa Mesa, the expungement process typically takes between 10 and 16 weeks, although the exact timeline can vary depending on the Orange County court’s schedule and the details of your case.

Once your expungement is granted in Costa Mesa, it is usually permanent and not subject to reversal. In rare circumstances, such as when new criminal charges are filed, the court may decide to review or reopen the sealed record.

As mentioned earlier, most expungement cases in Costa Mesa are completed within about 10 to 16 weeks. The exact timing depends on the Orange County court’s calendar and whether a judge needs to hold a hearing for your case.

Hiring an experienced expungement attorney in Costa Mesa can:

• Ensure all paperwork is accurate and complete

• Handle complex legal procedures on your behalf

• Represent you in court if necessary

• Improve your chances of a successful outcome

Attorneys who regularly work with Orange County courts may also be able to move the process along faster and effectively address any issues that arise.