Expungement Services in Escondido, CA

As of July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 expanded eligibility for record sealing statewide, including for residents of Escondido. Many felony convictions that are nonviolent, nonserious, and unrelated to sexual offenses may now qualify for automatic sealing – even for individuals who served prison time. For more complex cases, relief can still be requested by filing a petition with the court. The Department of Justice now reviews cases monthly to identify and seal those that meet the new requirements.

It’s important to note that expungement doesn’t completely erase your past. In most cases, your conviction will not appear on routine housing or employment background checks in Escondido, but law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access the record if necessary. This usually applies to jobs requiring advanced background reviews or in situations involving ongoing investigations.

Not all convictions can be cleared under California law. If you live in Escondido, expungement is not available for:

• Murder or attempted murder

• Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter

• Serious sexual crimes, including rape or child pornography

• Certain violent offenses restricted by law

• Some domestic violence convictions

• Felonies committed while on probation

• Select traffic-related crimes

Even if your case isn’t eligible, alternative legal remedies may be available depending on the details.

The cost of clearing a record in California varies. For Escondido residents, typical expenses include:

• Court filing fees – Often around $150 for felonies and about $60 for misdemeanors in Los Angeles County (amounts may vary by county).

• Attorney fees – Many lawyers charge between $900 and $1,200 depending on the complexity of the case and whether a felony reduction is needed.

• Package deals – Some providers offer bundled services that include expungement along with other motions, such as probation termination or felony reduction.

At Laguna Legal, we provide straightforward pricing and affordable options so you don’t have to overpay for relief.

Most expungement cases in California take 10 to 16 weeks to complete. For residents of Escondido, the exact timeline depends on the court’s calendar and whether your case requires a judge’s hearing. Cases that involve additional motions may take a little longer.

In almost all cases, once an expungement is approved in Escondido, it is permanent and cannot be reversed. The only exception is in rare situations where new criminal charges are filed, which may cause the court to review or reopen the sealed record.

Having an experienced attorney guide you through the expungement process can provide major benefits. They can:

• Make sure your paperwork is accurate and complete

• Handle the legal process so you don’t feel overwhelmed

• Represent you in court if a hearing is necessary

• Improve your chances of success

Attorneys familiar with the Escondido court system often move cases more efficiently and are prepared to deal with challenges that may arise.