San Diego County — My‑Clean‑Slate
San Diego uses a centralized expungement filing system with consistent processing times.
San Diego County uses centralized filing and a consistent countywide review process. You must complete the correct forms, include your case details, and file at the designated courthouse. The District Attorney reviews your petition before the court issues a decision.
Filing an Expungement in
San Diego County
Expungement in San Diego County follows California Penal Code §1203.4 and requires the correct forms.
Accurate case information, and filing at the proper courthouse. San Diego accepts mailed, in‑person,
and Dropbox filings, and the District Attorney reviews every petition before the court makes a decision.
San Diego is one of the most structured counties in California for expungements, with a required local form and a centralized filing process.
Required San Diego County Forms
San Diego County requires:
CR‑180 — Petition for Dismissal
CR‑181 — Order for Dismissal
SDSC CRM‑204 — Local San Diego Expungement Form (required)
Proof of Service (if serving the District Attorney)
Missing the CRM‑204 form will delay or reject your filing.
Where to File Your Expungement
All San Diego County expungement petitions are filed at:
San Diego Superior Court – Central Division (Criminal) 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101
Even if your case was originally in Vista, Chula Vista, El Cajon or Kearny Mesa,
expungements are processed through the Central Division.
Filing Options
San Diego County accepts:
In‑person filing at the clerk’s office
Mailed filing to the courthouse
Drop‑box filing (widely used and reliable)
San Diego does not accept:
Online filing
Email filing
Fax filing
District Attorney Review
The San Diego County District Attorney reviews every expungement petition
before the judge makes a decision. DA review is consistent and predictable but can extend processing time.
Processing Time
San Diego is a high‑volume county with a structured workflow.
Typical processing time:
10–14 weeks
Up to 16 weeks during high‑volume periods
The court will mail the signed order once the judge rules.
Hearings
Hearings in San Diego 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 Diego County
Avoid these issues to prevent delays:
Forgetting the CRM‑204 local form
Filing at a satellite courthouse instead of Central Division
Missing Proof of Service
Using outdated CR‑180/CR‑181 forms
What Happens After Filing
San Diego 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 Diego County, see nearby counties:
Eligibility
You qualify if:
Probation completed
No open cases
Eligible conviction overview →
No state prison sentence
Return Links
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