Start Your Clean Slate

San Bernardino County — My‑Clean‑Slate

Clear your record in San Bernardine County with the exact forms, filing rules, and Superior Court requirements used in this county.

San Bernardino County uses centralized filing and requires a county cover sheet for all expungement petitions. You must complete the correct forms, include your case details, and file at the designated location. The district attorney reviews your petition before the court decides.

Filing an Expungement in

San Bernardino County

Expungement in San Bernardino County follows California Penal Code §1203.4 and requires the

correct forms, accurate case information, and filing at the proper courthouse. San Bernardino

accepts both mailed and in-person filings, and the District Attorney reviews every petition before the court

makes a decision.

San Bernardino is the largest county in the United States by land area, and many cases originate

in different districts. Regardless of where your case was heard, expungement petitions are processed

through the San Bernardino Justice Center.

Required San Bernardino County Forms

San Bernardino County uses the standard California expungement forms:

  • CR‑180 — Petition for Dismissal

  • CR‑181 — Order for Dismissal

  • Proof of Service (if serving the District Attorney)

San Bernardino does not require any local county‑specific expungement forms. 8-12 Weeks up to14

Where to File Your Expungement

All San Bernardino County expungement petitions are filed at:

San Bernardino Justice Center – Criminal Division 247 W. Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415

Even if your case was originally in Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Barstow

or Joshua Tree, your expungement is processed through the San Bernardino Justice Center.

Filing Options

San Bernardino County accepts the following:

  • In‑person filing at the clerk’s office

  • Mailed filing to the courthouse

San Bernardino does not accept the following:

  • Online filing

  • Email filing

  • Fax filing

Case Number Prefix Guide

(District Identifier)

San Bernardino case numbers often include prefixes that identify the original district:

  • SB — San Bernardino

  • FWV — Rancho Cucamonga

  • FVI — Victorville

  • MVI — Mojave/Victorville

  • BAR — Barstow

  • JT — Joshua Tree

Your prefix tells you where the case originated, but all expungements are processed centrally.

District Attorney Review

The San Bernardino County District Attorney reviews every expungement petition

before the judge makes a decision. The DA review is thorough but predictable

objections are uncommon unless there were probation violations or unpaid restitution.

Processing Time

San Bernardino County is one of the fastest large counties in California for expungements.

Typical processing time:8–12 weeksUp to 14 weeks during high‑volume periods

The court will mail the signed order once the judge rules.

Hearings

Hearings in San Bernardino County are rare. Most petitions are decided on the paperwork alone.

A hearing may be scheduled only if the court or DA requests additional information.

Common Mistakes in San Bernardino County

Avoid these issues to prevent delays:

  • Filing in the wrong district (all filings go to the Justice Center)

  • Forgetting Proof of Service

  • Using outdated forms

  • Mailing to a satellite courthouse instead of the central address

What Happens After Filing

San Bernardino communicates only by mail. They do not call or email. You will receive the

signed order or any request for additional information through the postal service.

After Your Expungement Is Granted

If approved:

  • Your conviction is updated to show a dismissal under PC 1203.4

  • You are released from most penalties and disabilities of the conviction

  • Background checks will show the case as dismissed

  • You may legally answer “no” to most conviction questions (with exceptions)

This does not restore firearm rights or seal the record.

Related Counties

If your case was outside San Bernardino County, see nearby counties:

Eligibility in San Bernardino County

You may qualify for expungement if:

  • You completed probation (or had it terminated early)

  • You have no open cases

  • Your conviction is eligible under PC §1203.4

  • You were not sentenced to state prison

  • You did not violate probation in a way that bars relief

San Bernardino follows standard California eligibility but applies strict review of probation completion.

How Expungement Works

in San Bernardino County

  1. Identify your case number(s)

  2. Complete the county‑specific expungement forms

  3. File at the correct Justice Center

  4. Submit a fee or fee waiver

  5. Wait for DA review

  6. Receive the court’s dismissal order

Processing time: 8–12 weeks.

Required Forms

  • CR‑180 (Petition)

  • CR‑181 (Order)

  • FW‑001 (Fee Waiver, optional)

  • San Bernardino County Cover Sheet (required)

Where to File

San Bernardino Superior Court Expungement Filing

Central Division 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415

San Bernardino County Filing Notes

  • DA review is mandatory

  • Hearings are rare but possible

  • One petition required per case number

  • Fee waiver strongly recommended if eligible

What You Get

Your San Bernardino County expungement packet includes:

  • All county‑specific forms

  • All fields pre‑filled

  • Step‑by‑step filing instructions

  • Fee waiver (if needed)

  • Court‑ready PDF packet

Return Links

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