Santa Ana, CA
Expungement Lawyer Santa Ana
PC 1203.4 | Clean Your Criminal Record
Clear your past. Get a fresh start. We handle expungements and felony reductions at the Central Justice Center. Free consultation.
What Is Expungement in California?
Expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 allows you to withdraw a guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the case dismissed. This can help with employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Expungement Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Completed probation (or had it terminated early)
- Are not currently charged with a crime, on probation for another offense, or serving a sentence
- Were not sentenced to state prison (with some exceptions under Prop 47)
Felony Reduction (PC 17(b))
If your felony was a "wobbler" (could have been charged as a misdemeanor), you may petition to reduce it to a misdemeanor before expungement. This provides additional benefits including restoration of some rights.
What Expungement Does NOT Do
- Does not restore firearm rights (separate petition required)
- Does not remove the conviction for purposes of subsequent prosecutions
- Does not apply to certain sex offenses or offenses where state prison was served
- Does not prevent disclosure to licensing boards or law enforcement
The Expungement Process
- Eligibility review — We review your case and determine eligibility.
- Petition preparation — We prepare and file the petition with the Central Justice Center.
- Court hearing — If required, we appear on your behalf.
- Order of dismissal — Upon approval, you receive an order dismissing the conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expunge a felony in Santa Ana?
Many felonies can be expunged if you completed probation successfully and were not sentenced to state prison. Some "wobbler" felonies can first be reduced to misdemeanors under PC 17(b) before expungement.
What does expungement do for my record?
Expungement under PC 1203.4 allows you to withdraw a guilty plea and have the case dismissed. It helps with employment and housing background checks. However, it does not restore firearm rights and the conviction can still be used as a prior for sentencing purposes.
How long does expungement take in Orange County?
The process typically takes 2-4 months from filing to decision. Complex cases or opposed petitions may take longer. We handle all paperwork and court appearances at the Central Justice Center.
Am I eligible for expungement?
You may be eligible if you completed probation (or it was terminated early), are not currently charged with a crime, on probation, or serving a sentence, and were not sentenced to state prison (with some exceptions).
Related Resources
Ready to Clear Your Record?
Free consultation to discuss your eligibility. We handle the entire process at the Central Justice Center.
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