Expungement Services in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Effective July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 (SB 731) expanded the scope of who can have criminal records sealed in Rancho Santa Margarita and across the state. The new law provides for the automatic sealing of certain non-violent, non-serious, and non-sexual felony convictions—even for individuals who have served time in state prison. For more serious offenses, eligible individuals may petition the court for record sealing. In addition, the California Department of Justice now performs monthly reviews to identify and process cases that qualify for relief.

Even with an expungement, your record isn’t entirely wiped away. It will no longer appear in most background checks or be accessible to the general public, but law enforcement agencies and certain government entities can still view it for official matters, such as investigations or specialized 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, the expungement process typically takes around 10 to 16 weeks, although the exact timeframe can vary depending on the court’s schedule and the specifics of your case.

Once granted, an expungement is generally permanent and cannot be reversed. However, in rare cases—such as if you are charged with a new offense—a court may review or reopen the expunged record.

As noted earlier, most expungement cases are resolved within 10 to 16 weeks. The actual timeframe can vary based on the court’s calendar and whether a hearing becomes necessary.

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.