Having a criminal record can negatively impact nearly every area of a person’s life. From securing employment and professional licensing to housing opportunities and immigration status, past convictions can hold you back long after you’ve paid your dues. In Los Angeles, there is a legal remedy that gives individuals a second chance — criminal record expungement.
This blog explains how expungement works in Los Angeles, who qualifies, what the process involves, and how you can get support from trusted professionals like Anshi Notary to help guide you through the paperwork and court procedures.
What Is Criminal Record Expungement
Criminal record expungement in California is governed primarily by Penal Code Section 1203.4. It allows individuals who have completed probation and met specific conditions to have their convictions dismissed. When a record is expunged, the court reopens the case, sets aside the guilty plea or verdict, and dismisses the case.
An expungement does not completely erase the record. However, it updates the case outcome to show that the conviction was dismissed in the interests of justice. This can significantly improve job prospects, licensing eligibility, and general reputation, especially in background checks.
Why Expungement Matters in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to millions of people, including thousands with criminal records. Despite completing their sentences, many continue to face barriers. Local employers, property managers, and licensing boards regularly conduct background checks. An expunged conviction will still appear, but with the added note that the case was dismissed.
Expungement shows initiative. It signals rehabilitation and legal reform. In many cases, employers in California are prohibited from asking about arrests that did not lead to conviction or expunged records, making expungement a valuable step in moving forward.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Los Angeles
Not everyone is eligible for expungement. Understanding who qualifies is critical before beginning the process.
You may be eligible for expungement in Los Angeles if:
You were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony that could have been charged as a misdemeanor
You successfully completed probation or obtained early termination
You are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving a sentence for another offense
You did not serve time in state prison for the conviction, or if you did, it was for an offense now considered a county jail offense under realignment
Certain convictions such as serious sexual offenses against minors or crimes that required state prison time may not qualify for expungement.
The Expungement Process in Los Angeles
The process for expunging a criminal record in Los Angeles typically involves multiple legal and administrative steps.
Step One: Obtaining Your Criminal Record
Before filing, you need to gather all relevant court documents. These include your docket number, the exact charge, the final plea, sentencing information, and proof of probation completion. You can request your records from the Los Angeles County Superior Court or the California Department of Justice.
Step Two: Determine Eligibility
This step is often best handled with professional assistance. Anshi Notary can help you review your record and identify which convictions are eligible for expungement under California law. Understanding eligibility before petitioning can save you time and prevent rejection.
Step Three: File Petition for Dismissal
You will need to complete and file Judicial Council forms such as CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and CR-181 (Order for Dismissal). Depending on the court, there may be local forms or filing fees.
Step Four: Serve the District Attorney
In Los Angeles, you may be required to notify the District Attorney’s office that you are seeking expungement. This gives the prosecution an opportunity to respond or object.
Step Five: Attend the Hearing (If Required)
Some expungement cases in Los Angeles require a court hearing. You may be asked to explain why you are requesting expungement and demonstrate that it is in the interest of justice.
Step Six: Receive the Court’s Decision
If your expungement is granted, the court will issue an order stating that your conviction has been dismissed. Your criminal record will reflect the update.
How Long Does Expungement Take in Los Angeles
The expungement process generally takes between two to five months depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and the workload of the District Attorney’s office. If the court requires a hearing, it may add additional time. Submitting accurate documents and ensuring eligibility ahead of time helps avoid delays.
At Anshi Notary, we help clients prepare properly to minimize wait time and avoid unnecessary rejections due to technical errors or missing forms.
What Expungement Does and Does Not Do
Many people mistakenly believe that expungement completely erases a criminal record. While it improves your legal standing, there are limits.
An expungement:
Allows you to legally say “no” when asked on most job applications if you’ve been convicted of a crime
Updates your record to reflect a dismissal instead of a conviction
Restores credibility in professional and housing applications
An expungement does not:
Restore firearm rights if they were taken away as part of the conviction
Remove the requirement to register as a sex offender (if applicable)
Prevent immigration consequences in federal cases
Seal or destroy the record (record sealing is a different legal process)
Benefits of Expungement in Employment and Licensing
In California, employers are legally prohibited from discriminating against job applicants based solely on expunged convictions. When you expunge a record, you can answer “no” to questions about convictions on most private employment applications.
Additionally, expungement can be critical in obtaining or maintaining professional licenses for nurses, contractors, real estate agents, and other regulated careers. Although licensing boards may still see the conviction, expungement demonstrates rehabilitation and compliance.
For government jobs, expunged convictions may still need to be disclosed, but having the dismissal shows responsibility and proactive steps toward reform.
How Anshi Notary Can Help with the Expungement Process
Expungement is a legal process, and while you can technically file the paperwork yourself, small errors or missing documentation can lead to rejection or delays. At Anshi Notary, we specialize in helping Los Angeles residents complete and submit their expungement forms accurately.
We provide the following expungement-related services:
Guidance on eligibility and form selection
Document preparation and notary services for declarations or supporting statements
Court filing support or referrals to experienced attorneys when needed
Help with criminal background record retrieval
Our team is dedicated to providing affordable, professional, and confidential support to those looking for a clean slate. You don’t have to navigate the system alone. Visit AnshiNotary.com to get started.
Other Legal Remedies to Explore
If you are not eligible for expungement, there may be other post-conviction relief options available in Los Angeles. These include:
Early termination of probation
Certificate of Rehabilitation
Governor’s Pardon
Sealing of arrest records under Penal Code 851.91
Each remedy has specific eligibility rules and benefits. Consulting a professional helps determine the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement in Los Angeles
Can I expunge a felony in California
Yes, certain felonies can be expunged, particularly those that were eligible to be charged as misdemeanors under Proposition 47 or Penal Code 17b. You must meet the same conditions as for misdemeanors, such as completing probation and not currently facing charges.
How much does expungement cost
Costs vary depending on the court and whether you hire professional services. Filing fees may range from free to around $150 per case. At Anshi Notary, we offer affordable support and transparent pricing for document preparation and court-related assistance.
Will expungement help with immigration issues
Not always. Federal immigration authorities may still consider the original conviction. However, expungement can sometimes show positive rehabilitation when applying for relief or citizenship. It is important to speak to an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Can I expunge multiple convictions
Yes, you can request expungement for more than one conviction if each one is eligible. You must file a separate petition for each case. Anshi Notary can help you organize and file all petitions together to save time.
Do I need a lawyer for expungement in Los Angeles
You are not required to hire a lawyer. However, because the legal process can be confusing, many people choose to get help from professionals like Anshi Notary for form preparation and referrals. For complex cases or objections from the court or DA, legal counsel may be beneficial.
Can I expunge a DUI in Los Angeles
Yes, a DUI is a misdemeanor that may be eligible for expungement if probation has been successfully completed. You must also not be facing any new charges.
Start Fresh with Anshi Notary
Expungement can be life-changing. It provides a new beginning, opens doors previously closed, and restores dignity to those who have paid their debt to society. Whether you need help determining eligibility, preparing your petition, or understanding your legal options, Anshi Notary is here to help.
Visit https://anshinotary.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clearing your record. Your future shouldn’t be held back by your past — let us help you move forward.
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