Clearing your criminal record can open the door to new career opportunities, restore peace of mind, and give you a true second chance. In California, the process of expungement provides a legal pathway for many individuals to set aside their conviction and move forward without the burden of a past mistake. However, the process can be complex and requires careful steps to ensure success.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we work with individuals seeking notarial services, fingerprinting for background checks, and guidance on legal document notarization—key steps often tied into the expungement journey. This guide will walk you through the most important steps to expunging your criminal record in California.
California Expungement Quick-Glance Chart
A fast summary of the expungement process in California based on the key steps and FAQs covered in this guide.
| Topic | What this guide says | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Usually 2–6 months, depending on court scheduling and whether a hearing is required. | Sets realistic expectations for planning jobs, housing, or licensing applications. |
| Disclosure after expungement | In most private employment applications, you generally do not need to disclose the conviction. You still must disclose for government jobs, law enforcement, and licensing boards. |
Helps readers avoid mistakes on applications where disclosure is still required. |
| Typical filing fees | Costs vary by county, typically $100–$400 in filing fees (not including optional legal/notary help). | Gives readers a realistic cost range for budgeting. |
| Felony eligibility | Some felonies can be handled—certain felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged, if eligibility requirements are met. |
Clarifies that felony cases aren’t automatically excluded, but are eligibility-dependent. |
| Do you need an attorney? | You can file on your own, but an attorney can improve approval odds in complex cases. (Documentation/notarization support can still help even without an attorney.) |
Sets expectations for DIY vs. legal help, especially for complicated histories. |
| Core steps in the process |
|
Creates a structured “map” of the process for readers and for search systems extracting steps. |
Note: Expungement updates how a conviction is shown (dismissed/set aside), but does not erase all history in every context.
Understanding Expungement in California
What is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process where a criminal conviction is dismissed by the court. It does not erase your criminal history entirely, but it updates your record to show that the conviction was set aside and dismissed. This means that, in most cases, employers and landlords cannot hold the conviction against you when making decisions.
Who Qualifies for Expungement?
Not every conviction is eligible for expungement. In California, you may qualify if:
- You completed probation successfully.
- You did not serve time in state prison (only county jail or probation).
- You are not currently facing new criminal charges.
- Your conviction is not for certain serious offenses like sex crimes against children.
The Benefits of Expungement
Employment Opportunities
One of the biggest hurdles with a criminal record is passing background checks. Expungement allows you to legally state that you have not been convicted of a crime in most employment applications, opening doors to jobs you may have been previously denied.
Housing Applications
Landlords often conduct background checks. Having a conviction dismissed through expungement makes it easier to secure rental housing without discrimination.
Professional Licensing
If you are applying for a professional license, such as nursing, real estate, or legal certifications, expungement strengthens your case and demonstrates rehabilitation.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before filing for expungement, you must confirm eligibility. This includes reviewing:
- The type of conviction.
- Whether probation has been completed.
- Whether all court-ordered fines and restitution have been paid.
This step is critical because filing without eligibility wastes time and may result in denial.
Step 2: Gather Court Records
You will need access to key documents such as:
- Your case number.
- The specific charges.
- Proof of probation completion.
- Court payment receipts.
You can request these from the courthouse where your conviction was filed. Having complete records ensures your petition is accurate and strong.
Step 3: File the Petition for Dismissal
In California, the official process begins with filing a Petition for Dismissal (Form CR-180). This form requests the court to reopen your case and set aside the conviction. Some cases may also require additional forms, depending on the nature of the crime.
Filing usually involves:
- Completing the petition carefully with correct details.
- Submitting the petition to the appropriate court.
- Paying a filing fee (which varies by county, though fee waivers are possible).
Step 4: Notarize and Authenticate Documents
In some circumstances, courts or agencies may request notarized statements or supporting affidavits. This is where Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can help by ensuring your documents are notarized correctly and accepted without delays.
If your case involves additional certifications, like an apostille for international purposes, our team can also assist in preparing and authenticating these documents.
Step 5: Serve the District Attorney
After filing, a copy of your petition is usually served to the District Attorney or prosecuting agency. They may file an objection or allow the petition to proceed without challenge. Ensuring proper service is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 6: Attend the Court Hearing (if required)
Not all expungement requests require a hearing. However, if the District Attorney objects, or if the judge wants further clarification, you will be required to attend. At the hearing:
- The judge reviews your petition.
- The prosecutor may raise objections.
- You may present evidence of rehabilitation (employment records, community service, letters of support).
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for a second chance.
Step 7: The Court’s Decision
If the judge grants your expungement:
- The conviction will be updated to show as “dismissed in the interest of justice.”
- You will no longer be required to disclose the conviction in most situations.
However, keep in mind:
- Expungement does not restore firearm rights.
- Expungement does not prevent your record from being considered in immigration proceedings.
- Certain government applications (like law enforcement) may still require disclosure.
Step 8: Updating Your Records
Once granted, your record does not automatically update across all databases. You may need to follow up with:
- Background check agencies.
- Licensing boards.
- Employers who previously denied you.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we also provide Live Scan fingerprinting services that help confirm your updated record when required by employers or agencies.
Step 9: Moving Forward After Expungement
Expungement is not just about clearing a record—it’s about reclaiming your future. After expungement:
- Apply for jobs with confidence.
- Pursue higher education or licensing opportunities.
- Secure better housing.
It’s also a chance to rebuild your reputation and focus on long-term success.
Why Work with Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan?
While expungement is a legal process often requiring attorney guidance, many steps along the way require proper documentation, notarization, and fingerprinting. That’s where we come in. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we provide:
- Mobile notary services for affidavits and legal documents.
- Live Scan fingerprinting for background checks and licensing.
- Document authentication for legal and international use.
By handling the documentation side, we make the expungement journey smoother and more efficient.
FAQs About Expungement in Los Angeles, California
How long does an expungement usually take in Los Angeles County?
In Los Angeles County, an expungement (Petition for Dismissal) commonly takes several weeks to a few months, depending on court workload, whether the prosecutor objects, and whether the judge sets a hearing. For LA-specific guidance, review the LA Superior Court resource:
Can I clear my criminal record? (LA Court).
What is “expungement” in California, and what does it actually do?
In California, expungement generally means filing a Petition for Dismissal so the court can set aside the conviction and dismiss the case under eligible statutes (often Penal Code 1203.4/1203.4a). It does not erase the record like it never happened, but it can reduce employment barriers for many people. See our overview here:
Expungement (Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan).
Who qualifies for expungement in California?
Eligibility depends on your case, but many people qualify if they successfully completed probation (or obtained early termination), are not currently charged with a new offense, and the conviction is not excluded by law. A good starting point is to review the California Courts form guidance for the Petition for Dismissal:
Form CR-180 (California Courts).
Which forms do I need to file an expungement in California?
Most California expungements use:
CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and CR-181 (Order for Dismissal).
You file the petition with the court where the conviction occurred (for many LA cases, that’s LA Superior Court). Get the official forms here:
Form CR-181 (California Courts).
How much does it cost to expunge a record in Los Angeles?
Court filing fees and local requirements can vary, and some people may qualify for a fee waiver based on income. The most reliable number is the one provided by the courthouse handling your case. If you’re filing in LA County, start with the LA Court expungement page and confirm current fees with the clerk:
LA Court: clearing your record.
Do I still have to disclose a conviction after expungement in California?
Often, expungement helps on many private employment applications—but there are important exceptions (for example, certain government roles, law enforcement, and some professional licensing situations may still require disclosure). Because disclosure obligations depend on the exact context, use the court’s guidance as your baseline and consider legal advice for edge cases:
California Expungement Guide (Anshin).
Can felony convictions be expunged in California?
Some felony convictions can be eligible—especially if you received probation (not state prison). In certain situations, a felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor (when legally allowed) and then dismissed. For a Los Angeles–specific walkthrough, see:
How to File for Criminal Expungement in Los Angeles County.
Do I need to attend a hearing for an expungement in Los Angeles?
Not always. Some petitions are decided without a hearing, but a hearing may be scheduled if the prosecutor objects or the judge wants more information. If a hearing is required, it will be in the court that handled the original case. LA Court’s overview is here:
LA Court expungement information.
What documents should I gather before filing (LA County-friendly checklist)?
Most people should collect: case number, conviction details, proof of probation completion (or early termination order), and receipts showing fines/restitution are satisfied when applicable. If you need to check what appears on your record first, our Live Scan resource can help you understand that step:
See your criminal record (Live Scan).
How can Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan help with an expungement case in Los Angeles?
Expungement is a legal court process (many people use an attorney), but it often involves time-sensitive paperwork and supporting documents. We help LA-area clients with:
(1) mobile notary services for affidavits/declarations when needed, and
(2) Live Scan fingerprinting for background-check needs tied to jobs or licensing after your record is updated.
Start here:
Contact Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan.
Final Thoughts
Expunging your criminal record in California is a life-changing step that can remove barriers to employment, housing, and licensing. While the process requires patience and careful attention to detail, the rewards are immense.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we understand how important it is to move forward without the shadow of a past mistake. Whether you need notarization, Live Scan fingerprinting, or help authenticating documents, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.
Take control of your future today—start the process of expunging your criminal record with confidence and the right support.
