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 Felony Record

Felony Expungement Lawyer in Citrus Heights

Felony Expungement in Citrus Heights

A felony conviction can have lasting effects on your employment, housing, and personal relationships. Felony expungement offers a path to move forward by allowing you to petition the court to dismiss or reduce your conviction. California Expungement Attorneys understands how a felony on your record impacts your future. Our experienced team helps residents of Citrus Heights navigate the expungement process with clarity and confidence. We work diligently to help you understand your eligibility and options for clearing your criminal record.

The expungement process involves filing a petition with the court and presenting evidence that demonstrates your rehabilitation and changed circumstances. Successfully expunging a felony conviction can restore your rights and allow you to answer “no” when asked about prior arrests in most situations. California Expungement Attorneys has helped numerous clients achieve successful outcomes. We handle every aspect of your case from initial consultation through final court hearing. Our goal is to help you reclaim your future and move forward without the burden of a felony conviction.

Benefits of Felony Expungement

Expunging a felony conviction opens doors that were previously closed. After successful expungement, you may be able to answer “no” when asked about prior arrests in most employment applications, housing inquiries, and professional licensing situations. Many employers and landlords conduct background checks, and a felony record can result in immediate rejection. Expungement restores your ability to compete fairly in the job market and secure housing without the stigma of a felony conviction. Beyond practical benefits, expungement provides emotional relief and allows you to move forward with dignity and hope for your future.

Talk to a Lawyer

Our Approach to Your Defense

California Expungement Attorneys brings years of experience handling felony expungement cases throughout Sacramento County. We understand the nuances of felony law and the specific requirements judges consider when evaluating expungement petitions. Our team thoroughly reviews your case to identify all available relief options and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances. We work closely with you to gather supporting documentation, character references, and evidence of rehabilitation. Our commitment is to present the strongest possible case on your behalf and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Schedule a Consultation

How Felony Expungement Works

Felony expungement is a legal process that allows eligible individuals to petition a court to dismiss or reduce a felony conviction. The court reviews your petition, considers factors such as your behavior since the conviction, your current employment status, and your ties to the community. If the judge grants your petition, the conviction is dismissed and your case is closed. You can then legally answer “no” when asked about the arrest or conviction in most situations, with some exceptions for government employment, law enforcement, and certain professional licenses. The process typically takes several months from filing through court decision.
Eligibility for felony expungement depends on several factors, including the type of felony, whether you completed your sentence, and your conduct since the conviction. Some felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors before expungement, which increases your chances of success. The court has discretion in granting expungement petitions and will consider whether justice is best served by dismissing the conviction. Time elapsed since the conviction, completion of probation, community contributions, and rehabilitation all weigh in your favor. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure you understand your specific eligibility and present the strongest case possible.

Need More Information?

Find Out If You Have a Case

Felony Expungement Glossary

Expungement

A court order that dismisses a criminal conviction, allowing you to legally say the arrest or conviction did not occur in most situations.

Petition

A formal written request filed with the court asking the judge to grant your expungement or dismiss your conviction.

Felony Reduction

A legal process that converts a felony conviction to a misdemeanor, making the crime less serious and potentially improving expungement eligibility.

Record Sealing

A court order that restricts public access to criminal records, though the conviction may still be visible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

PRO TIPS

Gather Supporting Documents Early

Start collecting evidence of your rehabilitation and positive life changes as soon as possible. This includes employment letters, educational certificates, community service records, and character references from people who can speak to your character. Having these documents organized and ready demonstrates your commitment to the court and strengthens your petition significantly.

Address Your Offense Directly

Take responsibility for your actions without making excuses in your petition and any statements to the court. Explain what led to the offense and how you have changed since then. Judges are more likely to grant expungement when they see genuine remorse and concrete evidence of rehabilitation and positive change.

Complete All Court-Ordered Requirements

Ensure you have fully completed probation, paid all restitution, and satisfied any other court-ordered conditions before filing your petition. Outstanding obligations can severely damage your expungement case. Demonstrating full compliance shows the judge that you are serious about your rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Relief vs. Limited Approaches

When Full Legal Representation Matters:

Complex Felony Cases

Cases involving serious felonies, violent offenses, or multiple convictions require thorough legal analysis and strategic planning. These cases often face greater judicial scrutiny and require compelling evidence of rehabilitation. An experienced attorney can identify all available legal options and present the strongest possible argument for dismissal or reduction of your conviction.

First-Time Petitioners

If you have never filed an expungement petition, navigating the process alone can be overwhelming and error-prone. Procedural mistakes can result in dismissal of your petition without court review of the merits. Working with California Expungement Attorneys ensures your petition is properly drafted and filed according to all court rules.

When Self-Representation May Work:

Straightforward Misdemeanor Conversions

Some felonies are automatically eligible for reduction to misdemeanors without court approval, and you may be able to file these petitions yourself with careful preparation. If you have significant time elapsed since conviction and clean record since then, the reduction may be granted without opposition. However, even in straightforward cases, attorney guidance can improve your success rate.

Cases with Minimal Opposition

If the prosecution does not oppose your expungement and your circumstances are clearly favorable, you may navigate the filing process independently. However, understanding the law and presenting your evidence effectively still requires knowledge of expungement procedure. Even pro se petitioners often benefit from consultation with an experienced attorney.

Situations Where Felony Expungement Applies

Employment Barriers

A felony conviction on your record often leads to automatic rejection in background checks for professional positions. Expungement removes this barrier and allows you to compete fairly for jobs that would otherwise be unavailable.

Housing Discrimination

Landlords frequently deny rental applications based on felony convictions, limiting your housing options. After expungement, you can legally answer “no” when asked about prior convictions on most rental applications.

Professional Licensing

Certain professional licenses require disclosure of felony convictions and may be denied based on your record. Expungement removes many convictions as barriers to obtaining licenses in various trades and professions.

David M. Lehr

Felony Expungement Attorney Serving Citrus Heights

Contact Us About Your Case

Why Choose California Expungement Attorneys

California Expungement Attorneys has successfully helped countless residents of Citrus Heights clear their felony convictions and move forward with their lives. We understand the local court system, judges’ tendencies, and the specific requirements for successful expungement petitions in Sacramento County. Our team brings dedication and thorough preparation to every case, ensuring your petition presents the strongest possible argument. We handle all communication with the court and opposing counsel, reducing stress and protecting your interests throughout the process. Your success is our priority, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you.

We believe everyone deserves a second chance, and we are committed to helping you achieve one through felony expungement. Our compassionate yet strategic approach combines understanding of your personal circumstances with knowledge of California law. We will honestly assess your eligibility, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your case. From initial consultation through final court hearing, we provide clear communication and professional representation. Contact California Expungement Attorneys today to learn how we can help you clear your felony record and reclaim your future.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

(888) 788-7589

People Also Search For

Misdemeanor Expungement

DUI Expungement

Drug Conviction Sealing

Record Sealing Services

Felony Reduction

Criminal Record Dismissal

Post-Conviction Relief

Expungement Appeal

Related Services

FAQS

What is the difference between expungement and record sealing?

Expungement allows you to petition the court to dismiss your conviction, while record sealing restricts public access to your criminal record but leaves the conviction intact. When a felony is expunged, you can legally answer “no” when asked about the arrest or conviction in most situations. Record sealing is sometimes used when expungement is not available, but the conviction still shows up to law enforcement and certain government agencies. Both options provide relief from the stigma of a conviction, but expungement offers greater freedom since you can truthfully deny the arrest in most contexts. The best option for your situation depends on your specific conviction and eligibility. California Expungement Attorneys can explain which option applies to your case and help you pursue the relief you qualify for.

The felony expungement process typically takes three to six months from the time you file your petition until you receive a court decision. The timeline depends on court schedules, whether the prosecution opposes your petition, and the complexity of your case. Some cases resolve more quickly if there is no opposition, while others may take longer if a hearing is required. The court must review your petition, consider evidence of your rehabilitation, and determine whether dismissing your conviction serves the interests of justice. We work efficiently to prepare your case and move through the court process as quickly as possible. Delays are sometimes beyond our control, but we keep you informed throughout and advocate for timely resolution.

Violent felonies present greater challenges for expungement compared to non-violent offenses, but expungement may still be available in certain circumstances. The judge will consider factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, time elapsed since the conviction, your rehabilitation, and whether justice is served by dismissal. Some violent offenses may be reduced to misdemeanors first, which can improve your expungement eligibility. Even if your conviction is for a violent felony, it is worth consulting with an attorney to learn about your specific options. Many judges are willing to grant expungement when clear evidence of rehabilitation exists. California Expungement Attorneys has successfully obtained expungement of serious felonies for clients who demonstrated genuine change and rehabilitation.

Expungement does not erase your criminal record, but it does allow the conviction to be dismissed so that you can legally answer “no” when asked about the arrest or conviction in most situations. The record still exists in court files and is accessible to law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain government agencies. However, the general public and most private employers will not see the conviction when conducting background checks. The exception is that you may still be required to disclose the conviction when applying for certain professional licenses, government positions, or law enforcement work. Despite these limitations, expungement provides significant relief from the burden of a felony conviction and restores your ability to move forward in your career and personal life.

You can petition for expungement while still on probation, but you must first request permission from the court to file before completing probation. This is called a “probation waiver” or “early petition.” The judge will consider whether you have demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation to warrant early filing and may require evidence of your good conduct and positive changes. Alternatively, most people wait until they have completed probation to file their expungement petition, as this strengthens the case considerably. Completing probation shows the court that you have complied with all court orders and have moved beyond the supervision phase. California Expungement Attorneys can advise you on whether filing early is advisable in your situation or whether waiting would improve your chances of success.

Expungement may help restore certain rights, but gun rights restoration typically requires a separate legal process. California law restricts firearm ownership for individuals convicted of felonies, and expungement alone may not automatically restore these rights. However, expungement strengthens your position if you later petition for restoration of gun rights through a separate proceeding. The relationship between expungement and gun rights is complex and depends on the specific offense and circumstances. If restoring your gun rights is a priority, California Expungement Attorneys can advise you on whether pursuing expungement first, combined with a separate gun rights restoration petition, is the best strategy for your situation.

After expungement, you can legally answer “no” when asked about prior arrests or convictions in most private employment situations, and employers are not permitted to ask about expunged convictions. However, there are exceptions for certain positions in law enforcement, state and federal government, and other sensitive fields where disclosure of all criminal history is still required. Once your felony is expunged, most private employers will not see the conviction on background checks and cannot legally discriminate based on it. This significantly improves your employment prospects and allows you to compete fairly for positions that would have been closed to you with a felony on your record. California Expungement Attorneys can explain specific exceptions that may apply to the type of employment you are pursuing.

If your expungement petition is denied, you have the right to appeal the court’s decision or file a new petition at a later date, typically after additional time has passed and you have further evidence of rehabilitation. The judge must provide reasons for the denial, which helps identify what factors weighed against your petition. You can use this feedback to strengthen your case for a future petition. Appeal options and the timing for re-filing depend on the specific circumstances and the judge’s reasoning. California Expungement Attorneys can review a denial decision, advise you on whether appeal or re-filing is the better strategy, and help you prepare a stronger case if you decide to pursue relief again.

The cost of felony expungement varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether the prosecution opposes your petition. Court filing fees are typically between $200 and $400, and attorney fees vary based on the time and preparation required. California Expungement Attorneys offers competitive rates and can provide a cost estimate after reviewing your case. Many people view expungement as a worthwhile investment given the significant benefits to employment, housing, and overall quality of life. Some attorneys offer payment plans to make their services more accessible. Contact us to discuss your case and learn about our rates and available payment options.

Yes, you can petition for expungement of multiple felony convictions in a single petition or in separate petitions. Petitioning for multiple convictions simultaneously can be more efficient and demonstrates to the court that you are seeking comprehensive relief and a fresh start. However, if one conviction is more challenging than another, filing separate petitions may be strategically advantageous. California Expungement Attorneys will evaluate your specific circumstances and advise you on the best approach for multiple convictions. Our goal is to secure expungement of all eligible convictions and help you clear your record completely so you can move forward without the burden of felony convictions.

Legal Services