Redding ExpungementDismissal after probation (“expungement”)
If you were given probation and finished it, the court can let you withdraw your guilty or no-contest plea and dismiss the case. Your record then shows the case as dismissed.
Redding · Shasta County
A Fresh Start
Starts Here
Criminal record expungement · One flat fee, no surprises
PC 1203.4 dismissals · Felony reductions · Prop 47
Can help with jobs, housing & professional licenses
See if you qualifyOr email info@reddingexpungement.com or call/text (530) 338-1140
What we can help with
Ways California law may let you move past an old case
Every case is different. Here is what each option does, in plain English.
Dismissal when there was no probation
For misdemeanors and infractions where you were not given probation. Generally available about one year after sentencing if you completed the sentence and have no new charges.
Felony reduced to a misdemeanor
Some felonies (“wobblers”) can be reduced to misdemeanors, often together with a dismissal. The judge decides, and it is not available for every offense or sentence.
Reclassifying certain old felonies
Certain drug-possession and lower-value theft felonies (generally $950 or less) can be redesignated as misdemeanors. Some people with serious prior convictions are excluded, and late filings may need a reason for the delay.
Sealing an arrest record
If you were arrested but not convicted, you may be able to have the arrest sealed so it is treated as if it did not occur, for most purposes.
Tell us what happened
You don’t need to know the code section. Fill out the short form and we’ll tell you which options may fit, if any.
Who may qualify
Many people with older convictions are eligible
Eligibility depends on your case, so we can’t promise a result until we review it. In general, you may qualify if:
- You finished probation, or were not given probation and completed your sentence.
- You are not currently on probation or serving a sentence, and you have no pending criminal charges.
- The conviction was a misdemeanor, or a felony that did not result in a state prison sentence. (Some people who served prison time may still have options.)
- The offense isn’t one the law excludes. Certain sex offenses and some Vehicle Code offenses can’t be dismissed.
Didn’t finish probation, had a violation, or still owe fines? You may still have options, such as asking the judge to end probation early or to grant relief “in the interests of justice.” Unpaid fines or restitution don’t automatically prevent a dismissal, but the court can consider them. Tell us about it on the form.
How it works
Three simple steps
Fill out the short form
Takes about 5 minutes. General information only. You don’t need your court papers yet.
Free eligibility review by email
We review what you sent and email you about which options may fit and what the flat fee would be.
We file and handle it
If you hire us, we pull the records, prepare and file the petition, and deal with the court. In many cases you may not have to go to court.
Pricing
One flat fee, no surprises
You’ll know the full attorney fee before you decide. No hourly billing.
$750 flat fee
For a standard PC 1203.4 expungement (dismissal), per case.
Other services (felony reductions, Prop 47, and record sealing) are quoted after a free eligibility review.
- We’ll confirm the fee and what it covers in writing before you hire us.
- Court costs, if any, are separate. We’ll tell you about them up front, and fee waivers may be available if you qualify.
- Paperwork and updates by email, so you don’t need to take time off work.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What does an expungement actually do?
Under PC 1203.4, the court lets you withdraw your plea and dismisses the case. You are released from most penalties and disabilities of the conviction. For most private jobs, you can lawfully say you have not been convicted of that offense.
What doesn’t it do?
It does not erase or destroy the record, and the conviction can still count as a “prior” if you are charged with a new offense. You must still disclose it when applying for public office, for a job as a peace officer, or for a contract with the California Lottery, and for some government and licensing questions. It does not end a sex-offender registration requirement or restore firearm rights.
Will it restore my right to own a gun?
A dismissal by itself does not. If a felony is reduced to a misdemeanor under PC 17(b), state firearm rights may come back in some cases. However, many misdemeanors carry their own 10-year state ban, and domestic-violence convictions carry a federal lifetime ban. Please don’t assume you can possess a firearm until you’ve had specific advice about your case.
Does it clear my DMV record or a DUI?
DUIs can often be dismissed under PC 1203.4. But a dismissal does not change your DMV driving record or license suspension, and a dismissed DUI still counts as a prior for 10 years if you are arrested again.
I’m not a U.S. citizen. Should I do this?
Talk to an immigration attorney first. A California dismissal generally does not remove a conviction for federal immigration purposes. Filing papers in your case could also affect an immigration matter, so get immigration advice before you file.
Will it still show up on a background check?
The case may still appear on some background checks, but it should show as dismissed. Under California Labor Code 432.7, most employers may not ask about or consider a conviction that has been dismissed under PC 1203.4 or 1203.4a, or an arrest that did not lead to a conviction. There are exceptions, such as some health-care, law-enforcement, and other jobs where a law requires a check.
What is the Fair Chance Act?
California’s Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code 12952) generally stops employers with five or more employees from asking about conviction history before making a conditional job offer. If an employer then wants to withdraw an offer because of a conviction, it has to do an individualized assessment and give you notice and a chance to respond. A dismissal adds protection on top of that.
I was on probation but didn’t finish it, or I violated it. Can I still apply?
Possibly. If you’re still on probation, we may be able to ask the court to end it early and dismiss the case at the same time. If you violated probation in the past, the judge still has discretion to grant a dismissal “in the interests of justice.” It isn’t automatic, but it is often worth asking.
How long does it take? Do I have to go to court?
It depends on the court. Many petitions are decided in a few weeks to a few months. In many cases you may not have to appear, because your attorney can handle the filing and any hearing. If the judge or prosecutor requires you to appear, we’ll let you know ahead of time.
Doesn’t California clear records automatically now?
California’s “Clean Slate” laws (PC 1203.425 and 851.93) automatically give relief for some eligible convictions and arrests. Many cases aren’t covered, and automatic relief can be delayed or incomplete. We can check what applies to your case.
Free eligibility review
See if you qualify
Answer what you can. “Not sure” is fine. We’ll reply by email.
Please give general information only. Don’t include confidential details, Social Security numbers, or case files.
Ask a question
Have a quick question first?
Email info@reddingexpungement.com or call/text (530) 338-1140, or use this short form. Please keep it general.