Expungement Services in Laguna Niguel, CA

As of July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 (SB 731) broadened the rules for record sealing across the state, including in Laguna Niguel. Under this legislation, many felony convictions that are nonviolent, nonserious, and not related to sexual offenses may now qualify for automatic sealing—even for those who previously served time in state prison. For more serious convictions, individuals can still apply for relief by filing a petition with the court. The law also requires the California Department of Justice to conduct monthly reviews to find and process cases that are eligible under the new standards.

It’s important to understand that an expungement doesn’t completely erase your record. While it will be cleared from most public background checks and no longer show up for housing or employment purposes, certain government agencies and law enforcement can still access it if necessary. This usually happens in cases like ongoing investigations or when applying for jobs that require more extensive background reviews.

Not every conviction can be cleared through expungement in California. State law excludes certain serious crimes, such as:

• Murder or attempted murder

• Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter

• Serious sexual offenses, including rape or child pornography

• Violent crimes that fall under restricted categories

• Specific domestic violence convictions

• Felonies committed while the person was on probation

• Certain traffic-related offenses

The cost of pursuing an expungement can differ based on your situation:

• Court filing fees – In Orange County, these are usually about $150 for felony cases and around $60 for misdemeanors.

• Attorney fees – Many lawyers charge between $900 and $1,200, depending on how complex the case is and whether it involves reducing a felony.

• Package deals – Some legal services combine expungement with additional motions, such as early probation termination or felony reduction, which can affect the overall price.

The expungement process generally takes between 10 and 16 weeks, though the exact timeline can vary based on the Orange County court’s schedule and the specifics of your case.

Once granted, an expungement is usually permanent and cannot be undone. In rare cases—such as when new criminal charges are filed—the court may revisit or reopen the sealed record.

As noted above, most expungement cases are finalized within 10 to 16 weeks. The exact timing depends on the Orange County court’s calendar and whether your situation requires a hearing before a judge.

Working with an experienced expungement attorney can make a big difference. They can:

• Make sure all paperwork is accurate and complete

• Handle the legal procedures that can otherwise feel overwhelming

• Represent you in court when needed

• Improve your chances of a successful result

Attorneys who know the Orange County court system are often able to move the process forward more efficiently and deal with challenges if they come up.