Expungement and record-clearing services

An old conviction can come up on job applications, apartment screenings, and license forms for years. The Law Office of Andrew H. Dougherty helps people in Redding and across Shasta County use the tools California law provides to move past an old case, from the first records check to the judge’s order.

What we help with

• Expungement (PC 1203.4 and 1203.4a dismissals): withdrawing the plea and dismissing the case after probation, or after a misdemeanor sentence without probation. See the eligibility checklist.
• Dismissals after county jail or prison (PC 1203.41): for many felonies served under realignment and, since 2023, many state prison sentences, generally two years after the sentence is completed. It’s up to the judge.
• Felony reductions (PC 17(b)): asking the court to reduce a “wobbler” felony to a misdemeanor, often in the same filing as the dismissal. See felony reduction.
• Prop 47: redesignating certain older drug-possession and lower-value theft felonies as misdemeanors. See Prop 47 record relief.
• Early termination of probation (PC 1203.3): sometimes combined with the dismissal if you’re still on probation.
• Arrest record sealing (PC 851.91): for arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction. See arrest sealing.
• Certificates of rehabilitation and pardon applications: for some people with felony convictions, including prison sentences, after a period of years.
• Firearm rights review: an expungement alone doesn’t restore gun rights, but other options may. See firearm rights restoration.

What happens when you hire us

1. Records check

   We confirm the case number, the conviction, the sentence, and whether probation was completed, using court records and, when needed, your California DOJ record. You don’t need your old paperwork to start.

2. A plan for each case

   We tell you which requests fit, such as a dismissal, a reduction, or both, and what we can’t do. Each case is its own petition.

3. Petition and filing

   We prepare the petition and any supporting declaration, file it with the court, and give the District Attorney the required notice.

4. Court and follow-up

   We handle the hearing if one is set. In many cases you may not have to appear. After a ruling, we send you a copy of the order and explain what changed.

Fees

You’ll know the attorney fee in writing before you hire us. For a standard expungement it’s a $750 flat fee, standard PC 1203.4, per case. Other services, including felony reductions, Prop 47, certificates of rehabilitation, and firearm rights work, are quoted in writing after a free review. See what expungement costs.

Who we help

People with cases in Shasta County Superior Court, whether they live in Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, Cottonwood, Bella Vista, Burney, or have since moved away. Most of the work happens by email and phone. If your case is from another California county, such as Tehama, Siskiyou, or Trinity, ask us whether we can help. Non-citizens should talk to an immigration attorney before filing anything.

Common questions

Is “expungement” the same as sealing?

Not in California. Most “expungements” are PC 1203.4 dismissals, which update the record to show the case was dismissed. Sealing is a separate process available in narrower situations, such as arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction.

Can you handle more than one case?

Yes. Each case is filed separately, and we’ll tell you the options and the fee for each one in writing.

Do I have to come to an office?

Usually not. Most of the work happens by email and phone, and in many cases you may not have to go to court.

This page is attorney advertising and general information, not legal advice, and it may not reflect the latest changes in the law. Every case is different and no particular result is guaranteed. Reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Related: Expungement services · Firearm rights restoration · PC 1203.4 eligibility · Felony reduction (17b) · Prop 47 · Arrest sealing · Shasta County process · FAQ