Expungement Services in Santa Monica, CA

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.