Top 100 National Lawyers•5 Star Avvo Rating•10 Stars Justia Lawyer Rating•The State Bar of California•Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished® Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement 2026•Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Silver 2026•4.6 Stars Yelp Rated•4.7 Google Rating•Top 100 National Lawyers•5 Star Avvo Rating•10 Stars Justia Lawyer Rating•The State Bar of California•Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished® Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement 2026•Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Silver 2026•4.6 Stars Yelp Rated•4.7 Google Rating
Free Case Consultation

CALL US NOW

(888) 788-7589
Free Case Consultation
Latest Case Results
Felony Expungement Record Expunged Felony Reduction Expunged & Reduced Felony Expungement Record Expunged DUI Expungement DUI Expunged PC 290 Removal Registration Removed Felony Expungement Record Expunged
Felony Expungement Record Expunged Felony Reduction Expunged & Reduced Felony Expungement Record Expunged DUI Expungement DUI Expunged PC 290 Removal Registration Removed Felony Expungement Record Expunged

Clear Your Record

Felony Expungement Lawyer in Tustin, California

Felony Expungement Guide

A felony conviction can limit your employment, housing, and educational opportunities for years to come. California Expungement Attorneys understands the burden a felony record places on your future and is committed to helping you pursue post-conviction relief. Felony expungement allows eligible individuals to have their conviction reduced or dismissed, giving you the chance to move forward without the constant shadow of your past mistake. Our team works diligently to evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy for your unique circumstances.

Living with a felony conviction in Tustin doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you completed probation years ago or recently finished your sentence, you may have legal options available to you right now. California Expungement Attorneys has successfully helped numerous clients reclaim their lives by removing or reducing felony convictions from their records. We handle every aspect of the expungement process, from filing petitions to representing you in court, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves.

Key Benefits of Felony Expungement

Expunging a felony conviction opens doors that were previously closed. With a cleared record, you can honestly answer that you have no criminal conviction when applying for jobs, housing, loans, or professional licenses in most situations. Employers are less likely to discriminate against candidates with expunged records, and you may qualify for positions that were previously unavailable. Beyond employment, expungement restores your sense of dignity and allows you to rebuild your reputation in the community. California Expungement Attorneys helps you understand exactly what expungement means for your specific situation and what benefits you can expect.

Talk to a Lawyer

Our Proven Track Record

California Expungement Attorneys brings years of dedicated experience in post-conviction relief to every case we handle. Our team has successfully guided clients through the expungement process, working closely with prosecutors and judges to achieve favorable outcomes. We understand the nuances of felony reduction and record dismissal, and we apply that knowledge to build strong arguments on your behalf. With a deep commitment to our clients and a thorough understanding of California law, we have earned the trust of residents throughout Orange County. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Schedule a Consultation

Understanding Felony Expungement

Felony expungement is a legal process that allows you to have a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed entirely from your criminal record. In California, expungement doesn’t erase your record—law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see it—but it removes the conviction from public view and allows you to answer most questions about criminal history as if the conviction never happened. The process involves filing a petition with the court and, in many cases, appearing before a judge who will evaluate whether you meet the eligibility requirements and deserve relief.
The eligibility for felony expungement depends on several factors, including the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you’ve completed probation. Some felonies are easier to expunge than others, and understanding these distinctions is crucial to building your case. California law has also become more favorable to expungement in recent years, meaning many convictions that were previously difficult to clear may now be eligible for relief. California Expungement Attorneys will review your case thoroughly to determine if you qualify and what strategy offers the best chance of success.

Need More Information?

Find Out If You Have a Case

Expungement Glossary

Petition for Relief

A formal request filed with the court asking a judge to reduce or dismiss your felony conviction based on your eligibility and rehabilitation.

Post-Conviction Relief

Legal remedies available after sentencing that allow you to challenge or modify your conviction, including expungement and felony reduction.

Felony Reduction

A process where a felony conviction is reduced to a misdemeanor, making it less damaging to your employment and housing prospects.

Probation Completion

Successfully finishing all terms of probation, which is often a requirement for eligibility to file an expungement petition.

PRO TIPS

Gather Your Documentation Early

Collecting court records, probation documents, and proof of completion will speed up the expungement process significantly. Having organized documentation ready before meeting with an attorney shows you’re serious about your case and helps us build a compelling petition. Start by requesting your criminal history report from the California Department of Justice to see exactly what convictions are on your record.

Don't Assume You're Ineligible

Many people believe their felony conviction is permanent, but California law has expanded expungement eligibility significantly in recent years. Even if you were told years ago that expungement wasn’t possible, your circumstances may have changed. Contact California Expungement Attorneys for a free evaluation—you might be surprised at the options available to you.

Act Now Before Time Passes

While there’s no strict deadline for filing an expungement petition, the sooner you pursue relief, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a cleared record. Waiting longer gives potential employers and landlords more time to see your conviction in background checks. Starting the process today means you could have a fresh start within months.

Comparing Your Legal Options

When You Need Full Expungement Services:

Complex Criminal History

If you have multiple convictions or a complicated criminal history, pursuing expungement requires careful legal strategy to address each conviction separately. Some convictions may be eligible for reduction while others qualify for dismissal, and the order in which you pursue relief matters. California Expungement Attorneys has the knowledge to navigate these complexities and maximize your chances of success.

Prosecutor Opposition Expected

Some cases face prosecution resistance, particularly if the original crime was violent or serious. Fighting prosecutor objections requires skilled legal argumentation and compelling evidence of rehabilitation. Our attorneys know how to present your case persuasively to judges and overcome obstacles that might derail an unrepresented petition.

When You Might Handle Less Alone:

Straightforward, Eligible Convictions

If you have a single, non-violent felony conviction, completed probation years ago, and have maintained a clean record since, your case may be relatively straightforward. Some Tustin residents with simple cases have successfully filed pro per petitions without an attorney. However, having professional guidance still significantly improves your chances and eliminates costly mistakes.

Recent Probation Completion with Clear Record

Recently completing probation with no new arrests demonstrates rehabilitation and strengthens your petition considerably. These cases often face less prosecution resistance and may be approved relatively quickly. Still, having California Expungement Attorneys review your petition ensures all procedural requirements are met correctly.

Common Situations for Felony Expungement

Employment Barriers

A felony conviction often disqualifies you from professional licenses, government jobs, and positions requiring background checks. Expungement removes these barriers, allowing you to compete fairly for opportunities.

Housing Discrimination

Landlords frequently deny rental applications to applicants with felony convictions. An expunged record dramatically improves your housing prospects in Tustin and surrounding areas.

Professional Growth

Many professions require clean records for advancement, including teaching, healthcare, and law enforcement. Expungement opens doors to career development and better income potential.

David M. Lehr

Felony Expungement Attorney Serving Tustin

Contact Us About Your Case

Why Choose California Expungement Attorneys

California Expungement Attorneys brings proven results and dedicated service to every felony expungement case. We understand that your future depends on clearing your record, and we approach each petition with the seriousness it deserves. Our team combines thorough legal knowledge with compassionate representation, ensuring you feel supported throughout the entire process. We’ve helped countless Tustin residents reclaim their lives by successfully pursuing post-conviction relief and restoring their opportunities.

When you work with us, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re gaining an advocate who understands the real-world impact of a criminal record. We handle all the complex paperwork, court filings, and negotiations so you can focus on moving forward. With California Expungement Attorneys, you benefit from years of experience, strong relationships with local judges and prosecutors, and a track record of success. Let us help you take control of your future and build the life you deserve.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

(888) 788-7589

People Also Search For

Misdemeanor Expungement

Record Sealing

Felony Reduction

DUI Expungement

Drug Conviction Sealing

Post-Conviction Relief

Criminal Record Dismissal

Pardons and Rehabilitation

Related Services

FAQS

What is the difference between expungement and record sealing?

Expungement and record sealing are similar but distinct remedies. Expungement reduces a felony to a misdemeanor or dismisses it entirely, allowing you to answer most questions about your criminal history as if the conviction never happened. In contrast, record sealing simply removes your record from public view while law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access it. Both provide substantial benefits, but expungement offers greater freedom and fewer restrictions on your ability to deny the conviction existed. California Expungement Attorneys can explain which remedy applies best to your situation. Some cases qualify for both options, while others are eligible for one but not the other. Understanding these distinctions helps us pursue the strategy that gives you the maximum benefit.

The timeline for felony expungement varies depending on your case’s complexity and the court’s current workload. Straightforward cases with no prosecutor opposition may be approved within two to four months. More complicated cases involving prosecutor objections or multiple convictions can take six months to a year or longer. Once approved, the felony reduction or dismissal is typically finalized relatively quickly. California Expungement Attorneys works efficiently to move your case through the system while ensuring every procedural requirement is met. We keep you informed at each stage and explain realistic timelines based on your specific circumstances. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a cleared record.

In most cases, you must complete probation before filing an expungement petition. However, California law allows judges to approve expungement petitions even while you’re still on probation if doing so is in the interests of justice. This requires presenting a compelling argument to the court explaining why early relief is appropriate and how you’ve demonstrated rehabilitation despite ongoing probation. If you’re still on probation and interested in pursuing expungement, California Expungement Attorneys can evaluate whether your circumstances support an early relief petition. We’ll be honest about your chances and explain what arguments might persuade the judge to grant relief before probation completion.

Expungement does not completely erase your criminal record. Law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and certain government entities can still access and view your record even after expungement is granted. However, expungement removes your conviction from public view and allows you to legally deny the conviction existed in most employment, housing, and personal situations. This distinction is important because it means you must still disclose your conviction if asked directly by law enforcement or when applying for certain sensitive positions. However, for the vast majority of employers, landlords, and other private entities, an expunged conviction is treated as though it never happened. California Expungement Attorneys will explain exactly how expungement will affect your situation.

The cost of felony expungement depends on the complexity of your case and whether the prosecutor opposes your petition. Simple, uncontested cases typically cost less than complicated cases requiring extensive negotiations or court arguments. Many attorneys charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate. During your consultation with California Expungement Attorneys, we provide a clear breakdown of anticipated costs and explain what services are included. We believe in transparent pricing and never surprise our clients with unexpected fees. Some cases may also qualify for payment plans if cost is a concern. When you consider the long-term benefits of expungement—improved employment and housing prospects, restored reputation, and renewed opportunities—the investment often proves worthwhile.

Even if you’re technically eligible for expungement, a judge can deny your petition if they determine that denial is in the interests of justice. Courts consider factors like the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, your criminal history, your rehabilitation, and whether the prosecution objects. Violent crimes, crimes involving dishonesty, and recent convictions face higher denial rates. California Expungement Attorneys carefully evaluates the likelihood of success before filing your petition. We don’t file marginal cases—instead, we build compelling evidence of your rehabilitation and present arguments designed to persuade the judge that expungement is appropriate. If your case faces particular challenges, we discuss realistic expectations upfront.

Certain crimes are notoriously difficult to expunge, particularly violent offenses, sex crimes, and serious property crimes. Crimes involving dishonesty, such as fraud or forgery, also face significant barriers because courts worry about character and trustworthiness. Additionally, if you have a lengthy criminal history or multiple violent convictions, expungement becomes more challenging regardless of the specific crime. However, even difficult cases sometimes succeed, especially if significant time has passed and you’ve demonstrated genuine rehabilitation. California Expungement Attorneys has successfully pursued relief in challenging situations by presenting compelling evidence and persuasive arguments. Contact us to discuss whether expungement is realistic for your particular crime and circumstances.

Many expungement cases are approved without a hearing, particularly if the prosecutor doesn’t object and your petition is straightforward. The judge may grant relief based solely on the written petition and supporting documents. However, if the prosecutor opposes your petition or the judge has questions about your rehabilitation, you may be required to appear in court to testify about your background and demonstrate why expungement is appropriate. California Expungement Attorneys represents you in all court proceedings and prepares you thoroughly for any hearing. We present your case persuasively to the judge and answer any questions about your rehabilitation and character. Having an experienced attorney by your side significantly improves your presentation and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Yes, after your felony conviction is expunged, you can legally answer ‘no’ when asked about criminal convictions in most employment, housing, and personal situations. This is one of the primary benefits of expungement—it allows you to move forward as though the conviction never happened in the eyes of the general public. However, there are important exceptions. You must still disclose your conviction if specifically asked by law enforcement, when applying for certain government positions, or when seeking licenses in regulated professions. Additionally, some professional licensing boards may require disclosure even after expungement. California Expungement Attorneys explains exactly what situations require disclosure so you understand your legal obligations.

If your expungement petition is denied, you have options. You may be able to appeal the judge’s decision, refile your petition after additional time has passed and you’ve further demonstrated rehabilitation, or pursue alternative remedies like record sealing. The best course of action depends on the judge’s specific reasons for denial and your current circumstances. California Expungement Attorneys doesn’t accept denial as final. We review the judge’s ruling, identify weaknesses in our initial argument, and develop a strategy for seeking relief through other means or refiling with stronger evidence. Contact us immediately if your petition is denied so we can explore your options and continue fighting for your fresh start.

Legal Services