A criminal conviction in California can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. From employment and housing to professional licensing and immigration, your record can affect nearly every aspect of your life, even after you’ve served your sentence. But in many cases, there is a solution: expungement.
Expungement is a legal process that allows you to clear a criminal conviction from your public record. While it doesn’t erase all traces of a conviction, it can significantly improve your ability to move forward and live without the burden of past mistakes.
At Perlman & Cohen, we help individuals in Los Angeles and across California understand whether they qualify for expungement—and we guide them through every step of the process with precision and care.
This blog post breaks down California’s expungement laws as of 2025, explains how the process works, and outlines how our legal team can help you start fresh with a clean slate.
Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, expungement is a legal remedy that allows eligible individuals to withdraw a guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the court set aside a conviction. Once granted, the court updates the record to show that the case was dismissed.
Although expungement does not completely delete your criminal record, it changes your legal status and may allow you to lawfully state that you have not been convicted of a crime in most private employment applications.
Expungement Can:
Expungement Cannot:
Understanding these distinctions is crucial—especially when you're trying to rebuild your reputation or secure employment.
Not everyone is eligible for expungement, but the 2023–2025 reforms under SB 731 and AB 1076 have expanded access significantly.
You may qualify for expungement if:
Individuals who served time in state prison are typically ineligible unless the conviction would now be sentenced in county jail under realignment laws (AB 109).
As of 2023, some criminal convictions in California may be automatically expunged if you meet eligibility criteria and have remained crime-free for a designated period. These reforms aim to reduce barriers to housing and employment for people with low-level or non-violent criminal records.
However, automatic expungement only applies to:
Even if your case qualifies, there is no guarantee the automatic process will occur promptly. In many cases, delays or clerical issues can stall relief—making a formal petition the better option.
At Perlman & Cohen, we assess your individual record and pursue the appropriate legal remedy, including:
We also coordinate with court clerks, prosecutors, and probation officers to verify eligibility and move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
Here’s a general outline of what happens when you file for expungement in California:
We begin by obtaining your complete criminal record and evaluating which charges are eligible for relief. If you qualify for multiple types of relief (e.g., expungement and reduction), we advise on the best strategy.
Next, we prepare and file the expungement petition with the appropriate court. We also serve a copy on the prosecuting agency (e.g., the District Attorney’s Office).
Some counties require a court hearing; others decide based on the paperwork. If a hearing is held, we appear on your behalf to argue for relief and respond to any objections.
If the court grants the petition, your conviction is set aside, and the case is dismissed under Penal Code § 1203.4. We follow up to ensure the record is updated with the Department of Justice and relevant background check databases.
We provide you with proof of expungement for use in job applications, licensing, and other personal matters. We can also assist with cleaning up online records or correcting outdated background reports.
With California’s increasing reliance on digital background checks and automated hiring systems, expungement is more important than ever. The benefits include:
Expungement can open doors that were previously closed—and help you reclaim the opportunities you’ve earned.
While the process seems straightforward, errors can delay or jeopardize your petition. Common pitfalls include:
At Perlman & Cohen, we avoid these mistakes by taking a detailed, comprehensive approach to every case. Our attorneys ensure your paperwork is complete, correct, and compelling.
Some clients come to us seeking expungement only to learn they need a different form of relief. We also assist with:
If you’re not eligible for expungement, we’ll help explore other legal avenues to clear or mitigate the impact of your record.
Expungement is not just a paperwork exercise—it’s a strategic legal process. At Perlman & Cohen, we bring a results-oriented approach to post-conviction relief. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience and a track record of success in complex criminal and expungement cases.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
Whether you’re trying to rebuild your career, apply for a professional license, or simply leave your past behind, we are here to help.
If you or a loved one wants to explore expungement in California, contact Perlman & Cohen Criminal Lawyers today. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring your case gets the attention—and results—it deserves.
