Los Angeles Expungement Lawyer | Los Angeles County Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’re looking to clear your criminal record, our Los Angeles expungement lawyer, William S. Kroger, Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, is ready to help. Expungement can remove your criminal conviction from public view. That means better employment opportunities, housing access, and peace of mind. A successful petition for expungement can help you move forward in life without a criminal record holding you back. Whether you were charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile offense, clearing your record under California Penal Code 1203.4 may be possible.

Our Los Angeles Expungement Lawyer Will Help You Clear Your Record

A cleared record can protect your reputation, help with job applications, and open more housing options. At William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, we have years of experience helping clients in Los Angeles expunge their criminal records. We understand the court process, know what judges look for, and fight to give you a second chance.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in California

If you were convicted of a crime in California, you may qualify for expungement under California Penal Code section 1203.4. To be eligible, you must complete all terms of probation successfully, pay all fines and restitution, and not be facing any new criminal charges.

Both misdemeanor convictions and most felonies with probation may qualify. Wobbler offenses, which allow for a reduction to a discretion in being charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, may qualify for eligibility upon reduction. You cannot apply if you served time in state prison for the offense unless covered by laws like Prop 64, the CARE Act, or Senate Bill 731.

After completing probation  you can file a petition with the court. Our expungement attorney can assess your eligibility, gather evidence, and prepare for your court hearing to give you the best chance at clearing your record.

What Expungement Can and Cannot Do

An expungement in California can help you on job applications, background checks, and even when applying for loans or housing. When granted, your criminal record shows a dismissal rather than a conviction, which can have a significant impact on employers, landlords, and government agencies.

However, it does not seal your arrest records, nor does it restore firearm ownership rights or remove sex offender registration requirements. Expungement will not erase your record from FBI files, rap sheets, or background screening reports.

It does not overturn verdicts, eliminate court orders, or erase the public record. Some civil rights may still be limited. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can clarify the complete ramifications of your situation, including potential eligibility for record sealing, a pardon, or Firearm Rights Restoration.

Types of Convictions That May Be Expunged in Los Angeles

California allows petitions for dismissal/expungement for many offenses. Our team at William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law regularly helps people clear a wide range of cases from their criminal records.

Here are common types of offenses that may qualify:

Misdemeanor convictions such as:

DUI

Petty theft

Drug possession

Juvenile offenses

Eligible felonies that did not result in state prison time, including:

Marijuana-related offenses

Certain assault allegations

Other non-violent, non-sexual state crimes

Wobbler offenses are crimes that prosecutors have the discretion to charge as either misdemeanors or felonies, including:

Bigamy

Select juvenile crimes

Certain lower-level federal crimes are handled under California law

To qualify, individuals must typically complete probation, pay any fees, and resolve all penalties or restitution. Each case depends on the disposition, the plea, and whether there is a qualifying motion for dismissal.

Our criminal defense attorneys can also:

Review your arrest records, rap sheets, and fingerprints

Prepare for your expungement hearing

Help gather evidence and call witnesses if needed

Represent you in juvenile court,

Los Angeles

, or nearby areas like Claremont

Help you to correct your DOJ record

We can also advise on related relief, including record sealing, Firearm Rights Restoration, and removing your name from public record databases.

Why Hire William S. Kroger, Criminal Defense Attorney at Law for Your Expungement

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, William S. Kroger, Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, brings deep knowledge of Criminal Law and the California expungement process. Our team understands how a criminal conviction can affect your driver’s license, citizenship, and employment. We take fast legal action to help you get your Criminal Record Expunged as quickly as possible.

Our legal team can help with even the most complex cases, including:

We’ve represented clients in difficult situations, including false sex crimes charges, rape, or child molestation cases. We work directly with the district attorney, prepare for every full hearing, and defend your rights with support from seasoned experts like a criminal law appellate specialist or even a former judge advocate general’s office lawyer.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Expungement Process in Los Angeles

The expungement process in Los Angeles follows a legal path under Penal Code § 1203.4 and California Penal Code 1203.4 PC. At William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, we guide you through every step, from the initial legal action to the final court order.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1

: File a petition under

PC § 1203.4

Step 2

: Serve notice to the court and the district attorney

Step 3

: The Judge reviews the case during a court hearing

Step 4

: A verdict is issued – either granted or denied

Depending on your case, there may be delays caused by:

Old arrest reports or missing evidence

Prior warrants, unresolved

penalties

, or court Fees

Additional review by the California Department of Justice

Objections from law enforcement or other agencies

We also advise on:

How to obtain an Order to Seal your Arrest

California Senate Bill 731 updates

Fixes for background screening reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Supporting youth or juvenile court clients

Referrals to specialists or filing Writs and Appeals

From filing the motion to the final hearing, we are with you every step of the way — including if you need a bondsman, help with Civil Rights Restoration, or cleaning up issues tied to a Lawsuit.

Benefits of Expunging a Criminal Record in California

Having your criminal record expunged under California law can open doors that were once closed. The advantages extend far beyond just clearing your name.

Here’s how it can help:

Better employment opportunities:

Employers may reject applicants based on background checks. Expungement can help avoid this.

Professional licenses:

Whether you're renewing a real estate license or applying for a nursing credential, an expunged record improves your chances.

Housing access

: Landlords often deny applicants with convictions. This legal step can improve housing approval rates.

Reputation and self-worth

: Removing the label of a conviction helps rebuild your self-image and future.

Driver’s license reinstatement

: Some cases tie into DMV restrictions; expungement can aid appeals.

Sealed or expunged records

can also reduce exposure in background databases, even if not fully removed.

Our team understands how evidence, code, and court rules affect your case. We also consult with professionals, including former members of the Judge Advocate General’s Office, to strengthen your legal standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is expungement?

Expungement is a legal process in California that dismisses a past criminal conviction, helping clear your criminal record for employment, housing, and other background checks.

Can I expunge a felony?

Yes, most felonies—especially “wobblers”—can be reduced to misdemeanors and then dismissed under California Penal Code § 1203.4 if probation or sentencing requirements were completed.

How long does expungement take?

The expungement process in California usually takes about 3 to 4 months from the time your petition is filed, depending on the court's schedule and any hearing delays.

Does expungement seal my record?

No. Expungement dismisses your conviction but does not seal the record entirely. Arrest records may still appear on background screening reports unless further action is taken.

Will expungement help with employment?

Yes. If your record is expunged, you can legally state you were not convicted on most job applications, improving your chances with employers and professional licenses.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge a record?

While you can file on your own, hiring an experienced expungement attorney significantly improves your chances of success and ensures the legal action is handled correctly.

Contact Our Los Angeles Expungement Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

At William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, we understand how a criminal record can hold you back from jobs, housing, or even a driver’s license. That’s why we offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your options.

Whether you’re seeking to expunge a misdemeanor, felony, or wobbler offense, our experienced team will review your record and guide you through every step. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call us today or fill out our online contact form. Let us help you take the first step toward a clean slate.