Expunge Your Record in California
A California expungement — a dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4 — asks the court to set aside an eligible conviction. Find out in about a minute whether you appear to qualify, then get a complete, court-ready petition for dismissal packet — CR-180 petition, CR-181 proposed order, supporting declaration, FW-001 fee waiver request when your answers suggest you may qualify, and county-specific filing instructions — for a one-time $49.99.
Frequently asked questions
What is a California expungement?
In California, "expungement" usually means a dismissal under Penal Code section 1203.4 (or a related section such as 1203.4a or 1203.41). The court withdraws your guilty plea or verdict and dismisses the case. Your record is updated to show the dismissal — it is not erased or sealed.
Will a PC 1203.4 dismissal clear my record completely?
No. The conviction is dismissed, not deleted. Courts and law enforcement can still see it, it can still count as a prior in future cases, and it generally does not lift sex-offender registration requirements, restore firearm rights, or undo immigration consequences. It does allow you to answer "no conviction" on most private-sector job applications.
Who typically qualifies for a California expungement?
The most common pathway (PC 1203.4) generally requires that you finished probation for the case, are not currently serving a sentence or on supervision for another case, and have no new charges pending. Other pathways cover convictions without probation and certain felony county-jail sentences. Our free eligibility check asks a few questions and tells you whether you appear to qualify.
How much does it cost to expunge your record in California?
Our complete petition packet is a one-time $49.99. Legal document assistants commonly charge $100–$300 and attorneys often charge $500–$1,500 or more for the same forms. Some courts also charge a filing fee — the packet includes the FW-001 fee waiver request when your answers suggest you may qualify to have it waived.
What if I am not eligible for a California expungement?
The free eligibility check tells you why you do not appear to qualify. Often the reason is timing — for example, probation that has not ended yet — and you may become eligible later. Other situations call for a different kind of relief, or for a licensed attorney: if you choose, the eligibility check can connect you with attorney follow-up about your options. We are not a law firm and cannot advise you on your specific case.
How long does the expungement process take?
It varies by county and by court workload. After you file, many courts rule within a few weeks to a few months. Some counties decide on the paperwork alone; others set a short hearing. Your packet includes filing instructions for your county so you know what to expect.
Justice Sentinel is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help tools to help you prepare your own documents.