Who is eligible for expungement in California?

You may be eligible under Penal Code 1203.4 if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony wobbler, completed probation (or had it terminated early), are not currently charged with a crime or serving a sentence, and were not sentenced to state prison. DUI, drug possession, theft, assault, and domestic violence convictions are all potentially eligible. Certain sex offenses requiring Penal Code 290 registration are excluded.

How long does expungement take?

In Sacramento County the typical timeline is 4 to 8 weeks from filing to the court order. After the order is granted, the California Department of Justice record update takes an additional 4 to 8 weeks.

What does an expungement actually do for me?

Once granted, you can legally answer 'no' on most job applications asking about convictions (Labor Code 432.7 protects you), it removes the conviction as a barrier to most professional licensing, and it improves housing applications because landlords see a dismissed case. It does not restore firearm rights lost to a felony, remove a DUI from your DMV record, or stop the conviction counting as a prior in a future case.

Do I have to go to court for my expungement?

Usually not. Attorney Shrout handles the entire process — reviewing your record, filing the Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180), serving the District Attorney, and appearing at the hearing on your behalf. Most clients never need to attend court.

Expungement Attorney Elk Grove CA

California Penal Code 1203.4 allows eligible individuals to petition the court to withdraw their guilty plea, enter a not-guilty plea, and have the case dismissed. This process — expungement — can remove the conviction from your record for most employment, housing, and licensing purposes. Attorney Shrout has helped clients across Elk Grove, Sacramento, and all 58 California counties clear their records.

Who is eligible for expungement?

You may be eligible in California if all of the following are true:

You were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony "wobbler" (an offense that could have been charged as a misdemeanor).
You successfully completed probation, or were granted early termination.
You are not currently charged with a crime or serving a sentence.
You were not sentenced to state prison for the offense.

DUI convictions, drug possession, theft, assault, domestic violence, and many felonies are all potentially eligible. Certain sex offenses requiring registration under Penal Code 290 are excluded. If you are unsure whether your conviction qualifies, Attorney Shrout can evaluate your eligibility during a free consultation.

Good to know

Even if a felony seems to disqualify you, it may not. If your conviction is a felony wobbler, Attorney Shrout can first petition to reduce it to a misdemeanor under Penal Code 17(b), then file for expungement — expanding your eligibility and reducing the lasting consequences.

The expungement process

Attorney Shrout handles the entire process on your behalf. He:

Reviews your criminal record and confirms eligibility.
Prepares and files the Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with supporting declarations.
Serves the District Attorney's office and responds to any objections.
Appears at the court hearing for you — most clients never need to attend.
Follows up to ensure the California Department of Justice updates your record.

The typical timeline in Sacramento County is 4 to 8 weeks from filing to court order. After the order is granted, the DOJ record update takes an additional 4 to 8 weeks.

Felony reduction plus expungement

If your conviction is a felony wobbler, Attorney Shrout can petition the court to reduce it to a misdemeanor under Penal Code 17(b) before filing for expungement. This two-step approach expands your eligibility and provides additional benefits — a misdemeanor carries fewer collateral consequences than a felony, even after expungement.

What expungement does for you

Once granted, expungement lets you:

Legally answer "no" on most job applications asking about criminal convictions — California Labor Code 432.7 protects you.
Remove the conviction as a barrier to professional licensing in most fields.
Improve housing applications, since landlords see a dismissed case rather than a conviction.
Gain personal closure after a difficult chapter.

Expungement does not restore firearm rights lost due to a felony, does not remove a DUI from your DMV driving record, and does not prevent the conviction from counting as a prior if you are charged with a new crime.

Expungement costs

Straightforward misdemeanor expungements typically run $1,000 to $2,500. Felony reductions plus expungement range from $1,500 to $3,500. Court filing fees are $120 to $150 (fee waivers available). Payment plans may be available, and Attorney Shrout provides a transparent estimate during your free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for expungement?

Generally, those convicted of a misdemeanor or felony wobbler who completed probation, are not currently charged or serving a sentence, and were not sent to state prison. Many DUI, drug, theft, and domestic violence convictions qualify. A free record review confirms it.

How long does it take?

In Sacramento County, usually 4 to 8 weeks from filing to the court order, plus another 4 to 8 weeks for the DOJ to update your record.

What does an expungement actually change?

You can answer "no" to most conviction questions on job applications, clear a barrier to professional licensing, and improve housing applications. It does not restore firearm rights, clear a DUI from your DMV record, or erase the conviction as a prior in a future case.

Do I have to go to court?

Usually not. Attorney Shrout files the petition and appears at the hearing on your behalf. Most clients never set foot in the courtroom.

Expungement Attorney in Elk Grove, California