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If you want to clear your record in Santa Monica, you don’t need to spend a fortune on an expungement attorney. At Laguna Legal, we make the process simple by preparing and filing the required paperwork at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services. Our team understands the court system and ensures your documents are accurate and submitted on time so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Expungement gives people in Santa Monica with past convictions the chance to start fresh. Under California Penal Code 1203.4, certain offenses may be dismissed, allowing you to legally answer ‘no’ when asked about a criminal record on most job or housing applications. Clearing your record can improve employment opportunities, make it easier to obtain professional licenses, and provide the confidence you need to begin a new chapter in life.
Starting July 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill 731 (SB 731) expanded the rules for record sealing statewide, including in Santa Monica. Under this law, many felony convictions that are nonviolent, nonserious, and unrelated to sexual offenses may now qualify for automatic sealing, even for individuals who previously served time in state prison. For more serious cases, people can still seek relief by filing a petition with the court. The California Department of Justice is also required to perform monthly reviews to identify and process cases that meet the new eligibility standards.
It’s important to know that expungement does not fully erase your record. In most cases, it will no longer appear on background checks for housing or employment, but certain government agencies and law enforcement can still view it if needed. This typically applies to situations such as ongoing investigations or applications for jobs that require a higher level of background review.
Not all convictions in California qualify for expungement. State law excludes certain serious offenses, including:
Murder or attempted murder
Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter
Serious sexual crimes such as rape or child pornography
Violent offenses that fall under restricted categories
Specific domestic violence convictions
Felonies committed while on probation
Certain traffic-related offenses
The cost of an expungement in California can vary depending on your case:
Court filing fees – In Los Angeles County, the typical cost is about $150 for felony cases and around $60 for misdemeanors.
Attorney fees – Many attorneys charge between $900 and $1,200, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it includes reducing a felony.
Package options – Some legal providers offer bundled services that combine expungement with other motions, such as early probation termination or felony reduction, which can change the total price.
The expungement process usually takes about 10 to 16 weeks, although the exact timing can vary depending on the Los Angeles County court’s schedule and the details of your case.
Once approved, an expungement is generally permanent and cannot be reversed. In rare situations, such as when new criminal charges are filed, the court may review or reopen the sealed record.
As mentioned earlier, most expungement cases in Santa Monica are completed within 10 to 16 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the Los Angeles County court’s schedule and whether your case requires a hearing before a judge.
Working with an experienced expungement attorney can be very beneficial. They can:
Ensure all paperwork is accurate and properly completed
Manage the legal process that can otherwise feel stressful
Represent you in court if required
Increase your chances of a favorable outcome
Attorneys who are familiar with the Los Angeles County court system often help the process move more smoothly and are prepared to handle challenges that may arise.
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About Us
We’ve been providing Southern California with Excellent Legal Document and Divorce Mediation services since 1998.
We service the following counties: Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Imperial.
Contact Us
Address:
Laguna Legal Headquarters
24800 Chrisanta Drive, Suite 200
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone:
800-497-9850
Fax:
949-497-9877
Email:
team@lagunalegalhelp.com
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