Clear Your Record. Reclaim Your Future.
California expungement is the legal process of dismissing a conviction under Penal Code §1203.4 so it no longer appears as an active conviction on background checks.
California expungement gives you the legal power to move past a conviction — and My-Clean-Slate is here to walk you through every step.
This page is your complete guide to California criminal record expungement under Penal Code 1203.4. Whether you have a misdemeanor or a felony on your record, you'll find plain-language answers here — including who qualifies, how the process works, and how My-Clean-Slate can help you get your case dismissed.
We work with clients across all 58 California counties. If a past conviction is holding you back from a job, an apartment, or a license you deserve, you've come to the right place.
Alameda County – Filing Overview
Eligibility – Alameda County
Alameda County follows California Penal Code §1203.4, §1203.4a, and §17(b) for record relief. Eligibility depends on the conviction type, sentence completion, and whether any new charges are pending.
No open cases or outstanding warrants
All fines, fees, and probation terms completed
Misdemeanors generally eligible after completion
Felonies may require a §17(b) reduction first
Some offenses are excluded under state law
Required Documents – Alameda County
The following documents are typically required when filing for record relief in Alameda County. These ensure the court can verify identity, conviction history, and eligibility under California law.
Certified Docket or Case Summary (from Alameda County Superior Court)
Proof of Sentence Completion (probation, classes, fines, restitution)
Government‑issued ID
Any prior reduction orders (e.g., §17(b) felony‑to‑misdemeanor)
Optional: Character letters or proof of rehabilitation
Filing Steps – Alameda County
Alameda County follows a structured process for record relief petitions. These steps outline the standard workflow for filing under California Penal Code §1203.4, §1203.4a, and §17(b).
Obtain Your Case Records
Retrieve your docket or case summary from the Alameda County Superior Court.Confirm Eligibility
Verify that probation is complete, fines are paid, and no new charges are pending.Prepare Required Forms
Complete the appropriate petition forms (e.g., CR‑180, CR‑181, or §17(b) motion).File With the Correct Courthouse
Submit your petition to the Alameda County Superior Court location that handled your original case.Serve the District Attorney
Provide a copy of your petition to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.Attend the Hearing (If Required)
Some petitions are ruled on without a hearing; others require your appearance.
No obligation. No legal jargon. Just honest answers about your case.
What Is Expungement in California?
California expungement updates your record to show your conviction was dismissed under PC 1203.4. It clears your record for most employment and housing background checks
Expungement is a legal process under California Penal Code Section 1203.4 that allows you to go back to court and ask a judge to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, enter a plea of not guilty, and formally dismiss your case. Once your expungement is granted, your conviction is replaced with a dismissal in the court's records — giving you something real to point to when employers, landlords, or licensing boards ask about your history.
The practical impact is significant. Under California law, most private employers cannot hold an expunged conviction against you. You are legally entitled to say on most job applications that you have not been convicted of the offense. For millions of Californians, expungement has been the turning point that unlocked a new career, a new apartment, or a professional license they'd been denied for years.
What Expungement Does NOT Do
It's important to go in with clear expectations. An expungement under PC 1203.4 does not completely erase your record — law enforcement agencies and courts can still see the original conviction. It does not restore firearms rights if those were lost due to a felony. It does not affect DMV driving records or remove convictions from the Department of Justice's records for purposes of future sentencing. It also does not help with immigration consequences — if immigration status is a concern, please speak with an immigration attorney in addition to My-Clean-Slate. That said, for employment, housing, and professional licensing purposes, expungement is a powerful and meaningful form of relief that can genuinely change your day-to-day life.
Do You Qualify for Expungement?
You qualify for California expungement if you completed probation, have no open cases, and your conviction is eligible under PC §1203.4. Eligibility depends on the type of conviction, how your sentence was served, and whether you've completed probation. The most common questions are answered below — click any item to expand it.
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Many felonies can be expunged — but it depends on how and where your sentence was served. Under California's criminal justice Realignment law (AB 109), many felonies that would previously have required state prison time are now sentenced to county jail. If your felony was sentenced to county jail (or would have been under today's law), you are generally eligible for expungement under PC 1203.4. If you served time in California State Prison, standard expungement typically does not apply, though other forms of relief — such as a Certificate of Rehabilitation or Governor's Pardon — may be available. Additionally, some "wobbler" felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors first under Penal Code 17(b) and then expunged. My-Clean-Slate evaluates every avenue available to you.
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A probation violation doesn't automatically close the door on expungement — but it does add a layer of complexity. Under California law, if your probation was revoked or you violated its terms, the court has discretion to still grant or deny your petition based on the totality of your circumstances. Judges consider factors like the seriousness of the violation, how much time has passed, evidence of rehabilitation, and your current situation. My-Clean-Slate's team is experienced in building strong petitions for clients with imperfect probation histories. We'll review your specific record and let you know honestly what to expect — and we'll fight for you either way.
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Yes. Certain serious offenses are excluded from expungement under PC 1203.4 regardless of probation completion. These include lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 (PC 288), unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 (PC 261.5(d)), most sex offenses that require registration as a sex offender, murder, and certain other violent or serious felonies. If your conviction falls into an excluded category, My-Clean-Slate will let you know right away and explore whether alternative remedies — such as a Certificate of Rehabilitation, early termination of registration requirements, or a Governor's Pardon — might apply to your situation.
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No. There is no mandatory waiting period once your probation has been successfully completed or formally terminated early. As soon as you have fulfilled all conditions of your probation, you are eligible to file a PC 1203.4 petition. In fact, there is no benefit to waiting — the sooner you file, the sooner you can begin enjoying the relief expungement provides. If you are still on probation but want to know your options, My-Clean-Slate can also file a petition for early termination of probation on your behalf, which can then be immediately followed by an expungement petition.
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California expungement typically takes 6–12 weeks depending on the county and court backlog.
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Each case requires its own petition.
How the Expungement Process Works
My-Clean-Slate handles the legal heavy lifting, so you don't have to navigate the court system alone. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you reach out to the day your case is dismissed:
Free Case Review
We start with a no-obligation review of your criminal record. My-Clean-Slate's team confirms your eligibility, identifies the right court and petition type, and gives you a clear picture of your options — all at no cost.Document Collection
We gather the records needed to support your petition, including court disposition records, probation completion documentation, and any supporting materials that strengthen your case. We guide you on exactly what to provide and handle the rest ourselves.Petition Preparation & Filing
My-Clean-Slate prepares your PC 1203.4 petition — properly formatted and tailored to your specific county court's requirements — and files it on your behalf. Every county in California has its own procedures, and we know them all.Court Hearing
In most California counties, you do not need to appear in court for an expungement hearing. My-Clean-Slate handles the hearing process on your behalf. If a personal appearance is required in your county, we will prepare you fully and accompany you through the process.Order Granted — You're Done
Once the judge signs your dismissal order, My-Clean-Slate sends you a certified copy and walks you through what comes next — including how to respond if an employer asks about your record, and how to request that background check databases update your information.
Typical timeline: Most California expungements are resolved in 60 to 120 days from the date of filing, depending on the county court's current calendar and caseload. Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego courts may take longer during busy periods — My-Clean-Slate monitors your case status throughout and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Why My‑Clean‑Slate Works
Real‑World Benefits
Better job opportunities
Better housing options
Better licensing outcomes
Better peace of mind
How We Stay Updated
California counties update their expungement forms and filing rules regularly. My‑Clean‑Slate monitors county websites, court updates, and filing changes to ensure every packet matches the latest requirements.
This signals:
Expertise
Reliability
Real‑world relevance
◈ California-Only Focus
We specialize exclusively in California expungement law — no generalist attorneys, no out-of-state playbooks. We know every county court's procedure, timelines, and local judicial preferences, so your petition is built for success from the start.
◈ Flat-Fee Pricing, No Surprises
Know your total cost before you commit. My-Clean-Slate charges a flat fee for expungement services with no hidden charges, no hourly billing, and no surprise invoices. You can plan your budget with confidence and focus on your future instead of your legal bill.
◈ Guided from Start to Finish
From your very first case review to the moment you hold your signed dismissal order, My-Clean-Slate is with you every step of the way. You'll never be left wondering what's happening with your case, and you'll never feel alone in the process.
Why This Page Is Accurate
This page is based on California Penal Code §1203.4 and county‑specific filing requirements used by California courts. My‑Clean‑Slate updates its packets and instructions as counties change their forms or procedures.
This signals:
Authority
Accuracy
Freshness
Expungement Services Across California
My-Clean-Slate files expungement petitions in courts throughout all of California. Whether you were convicted in a major metropolitan area or a rural county with a small courthouse, our team knows the local process and can file on your behalf. Select your county below to learn more or contact us to confirm we serve your court.
California County Expungement Packets
My‑Clean‑Slate generates county‑specific expungement packets for every major California county, including Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Sacramento, and more. Each packet includes the exact forms, instructions, and filing rules required by that county’s Superior Court.
What’s Included in Your Packet
What’s Included
All county‑specific forms
All fields pre‑filled
Step‑by‑step filing instructions
Fee waiver forms (if applicable)
County‑specific cover sheets
County Variations
California counties differ in:
Required forms
Filing fees
Processing times
Court locations
Local cover sheets
Fee waiver rules
California County Expungement Packets
Select your county to view the exact expungement requirements, forms, and filing instructions:
| Region | Counties Served |
|---|---|
| Bay Area & Northern Coast | Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity |
| Greater Sacramento & Central Valley | Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba |
| Southern California | Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura |
| Central Coast | Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz |
Don't see your county? Contact My-Clean-Slate — we may still be able to help.
Why County Accuracy Matters
Every California county uses different expungement forms, fees, and filing rules. Filing with the wrong form or at the wrong courthouse can delay or prevent dismissal. My‑Clean‑Slate ensures your packet matches your county’s exact requirements.
Examples:
Alameda County: Requires local CR‑180 and CR‑181 forms plus county‑specific attachments.
Los Angeles County: Uses a multi‑district filing system with different rules depending on courthouse.
Orange County: Requires a separate petition for each case number and charges a filing fee.
San Diego County: Uses a centralized expungement filing process with optional fee waivers.
County Variation Summary
California expungement is statewide law, but each county applies PC §1203.4 through its own Superior Court. That means different forms, different fees, different cover sheets, and different processing timelines.
Your packet is generated using the exact requirements for the county where your conviction occurred.
Ready to Start? Let's Clear Your Record.
A past conviction doesn't have to follow you forever. California law gives you a path forward — and is ready to walk it with you.
Thousands of Californians have already used expungement to unlock jobs, housing, and opportunities that felt out of reach. You deserve the same chance. Reach out today, and let's find out what's possible for you.
Your consultation is free, confidential, and comes with zero pressure. We'll review your record, explain your options in plain language, and let you decide what's right for you.