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 Tujunga

Felony Expungement Guide

A felony conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life, from employment opportunities to housing and professional licensing. California Expungement Attorneys understands the burden a felony record places on your future and is committed to helping residents of Tujunga pursue expungement relief. With years of experience navigating the expungement process, we work diligently to help you move forward with your life and restore your rights.

Expungement is a legal process that allows you to petition the court to dismiss a felony conviction, effectively removing it from your public record. This is not the same as erasing your conviction entirely—law enforcement and certain government agencies will still have access to the record. However, once dismissed, you can legally answer most questions about the conviction by stating it does not exist, giving you a genuine second chance to rebuild your reputation and career.

Why Felony Expungement Matters

Removing a felony from your record opens doors that a conviction typically closes. Employers often conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can disqualify you from countless jobs, even for positions where your offense is completely unrelated to the work. Expungement also improves your ability to secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and restore your eligibility for certain rights. California Expungement Attorneys helps you understand how expungement can transform your opportunities and gives you the support needed to pursue relief effectively.

Talk to a Lawyer

Our Approach to Your Case

California Expungement Attorneys brings thorough knowledge of felony expungement law and genuine commitment to your success. We review your specific situation, evaluate the strength of your case, and explain your realistic options in plain language. Our team handles the entire process, from filing petitions to representing you in court if necessary. We focus on achieving the best possible outcome for your circumstances, whether that means full expungement or pursuing alternative post-conviction relief strategies that serve your goals.
Schedule a Consultation

How Felony Expungement Works

Felony expungement begins with a petition filed with the court that originally sentenced you. California law allows most people convicted of felonies to petition for dismissal under certain circumstances. The process requires demonstrating that you have completed your sentence, served any required probation period, and meet the legal requirements for relief. The court reviews your petition and, if approved, dismisses your conviction. This dismissal is the foundation that allows you to represent your record as clean when applying for jobs, housing, or other opportunities.
The timeline and complexity of felony expungement depend on your specific circumstances, including the nature of your conviction, when you were sentenced, and whether you completed probation. Some cases move quickly, while others require more detailed legal arguments. California Expungement Attorneys prepares your petition carefully, gathers necessary documentation, and navigates court procedures to maximize your chances of success. We also advise you on related relief options, such as felony reduction or record sealing, which may work alongside or instead of expungement to achieve your goals.

Need More Information?

Find Out If You Have a Case

Expungement Glossary

Expungement

A court process that dismisses a felony conviction, allowing you to legally state that the conviction does not exist when answering questions from non-government entities about your criminal history.

Probation

A period of supervision imposed as part of a criminal sentence, during which you must comply with court-ordered conditions; completing probation is usually required before filing an expungement petition.

Petition

A formal written request filed with the court asking for relief, such as the dismissal of a felony conviction through the expungement process.

Record Sealing

A legal process that restricts public access to your criminal record, though the record itself is not dismissed; certain employers and agencies may still access sealed records.

PRO TIPS

Start Your Petition Early

Timing matters when pursuing felony expungement. Many people wait years after completing probation before filing a petition, losing valuable time during which they could be living without the burden of a conviction. If you have completed your sentence and probation, meeting with California Expungement Attorneys soon allows us to evaluate your eligibility immediately. The sooner you file, the sooner you can move forward.

Gather Your Documents Now

Having your sentencing documents, probation completion records, and any other relevant paperwork organized before meeting with your attorney speeds up the process. Court records can take time to obtain, so starting collection early prevents delays. California Expungement Attorneys can request records on your behalf, but having what you already possess available makes preparation faster and more efficient.

Understand What Expungement Does

Expungement is powerful, but it is not complete erasure of your record. Law enforcement, government agencies, and certain licensing boards can still see the original conviction. However, when applying for most jobs, housing, or loans, you can legally answer that you have not been convicted of that offense. Understanding these boundaries helps you set realistic expectations and plan your next steps accordingly.

Comprehensive vs. Limited Relief Options

When Full Expungement Makes Sense:

Career Advancement and Employment

If your felony conviction is preventing you from pursuing better jobs or professional licenses, full expungement removes a major barrier to advancement. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony can disqualify you even for positions unrelated to your offense. Pursuing comprehensive expungement gives you honest answers when employers ask about convictions, dramatically improving your employment prospects.

Housing and Financial Opportunities

Landlords and lenders frequently check criminal records as part of their application process. A felony conviction can result in rental denials or higher interest rates on loans. Full expungement strengthens your applications for housing and credit by allowing you to answer truthfully that you have no conviction. This comprehensive approach reopens financial and residential opportunities that a conviction had previously closed.

When Alternative Relief May Work Better:

Ineligibility for Full Expungement

Not everyone qualifies for expungement, particularly if they are still serving probation or have certain types of convictions. In these situations, record sealing or felony reduction may provide meaningful relief that improves your record status. Record sealing restricts public access even if the conviction is not dismissed, while felony reduction may lower your conviction to a misdemeanor, each offering advantages in specific circumstances.

Time and Cost Considerations

Some clients face immediate needs that make a simpler approach preferable. Record sealing, for example, can be faster and more cost-effective than pursuing full expungement. If your primary concern is limiting public access to your record rather than full dismissal, this targeted approach may be sufficient. California Expungement Attorneys helps you evaluate which option best fits your timeline and budget.

Typical Situations for Felony Expungement

Successfully Completed Probation

Once you have completed all probation requirements without violations, you become eligible to petition for expungement. This is the most common scenario where residents of Tujunga can move forward with dismissal.

Non-Violent Conviction from Years Ago

Older non-violent felonies are often strong candidates for expungement, especially if you have maintained a clean record since conviction. Time and good behavior strengthen your petition significantly.

Career or Licensing Barriers

If your felony prevents you from obtaining a professional license or pursuing meaningful employment, expungement directly addresses that barrier. This common situation motivates many to pursue relief.

David M. Lehr

Felony Expungement Attorney in Tujunga

Contact Us About Your Case

Why Choose California Expungement Attorneys

California Expungement Attorneys has helped hundreds of clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Tujunga, petition for felony expungement and restore their records. We understand how a felony conviction impacts your daily life and are committed to pursuing the relief you deserve. Our team stays current on changes to expungement law and uses this knowledge to build strong petitions tailored to your specific circumstances. We handle every detail, from initial consultation through court hearings, so you can focus on moving forward.

We believe in transparent communication and treating every client with respect. You will understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what to expect at each stage. We answer your questions honestly, explain complex legal concepts in plain English, and keep you informed throughout the process. Our goal is not just to file paperwork but to achieve genuine relief that improves your future opportunities and allows you to move past your conviction.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

(888) 788-7589

People Also Search For

Misdemeanor Expungement

Record Sealing

Felony Reduction

DUI Expungement

Conviction Dismissal

Post-Conviction Relief

Criminal Record Removal

Second Chance Law

Related Services

FAQS

How long does the felony expungement process take?

The timeline for felony expungement varies depending on court backlogs, the complexity of your case, and whether the prosecution contests your petition. In many Los Angeles County cases, the process takes anywhere from three to six months, though some cases resolve faster. Once we file your petition, the court schedules a hearing, which may take additional weeks or months depending on judicial availability. If your petition is uncontested and straightforward, you may receive a decision within a few months of filing. More complex cases, particularly those where the prosecution objects or where your circumstances require detailed legal arguments, may extend the timeline. California Expungement Attorneys works efficiently to move your case forward while ensuring we present the strongest possible argument for relief.

Generally, you must complete probation before you become eligible to petition for expungement. However, there are limited exceptions. Under certain circumstances, you may petition to terminate probation early and then immediately file for expungement. If you are still actively serving probation, we evaluate whether early termination is a viable path for your situation. If early probation termination is available, we can pursue that strategy first, which then opens the door to expungement. The key is having an attorney review your specific case to determine the best approach. California Expungement Attorneys assesses whether waiting until probation naturally ends or pursuing early termination is the right strategy for you.

Expungement does not completely erase your conviction from all records. Law enforcement, the California Department of Justice, and certain government agencies retain access to your original conviction. Additionally, courts have the ability to reference the dismissed conviction during future proceedings. However, what expungement does accomplish is substantial: it allows you to legally answer that you have not been convicted of that offense when applying for employment, housing, professional licenses, or loans. For most practical purposes, a dismissed conviction no longer impacts your life. Employers cannot use it to disqualify you, landlords cannot cite it as grounds for denial, and you can pursue opportunities previously closed by the conviction. The key limitation is that law enforcement and some government agencies maintain knowledge of the original offense, but this rarely affects everyday life or employment situations.

California law excludes certain serious and violent crimes from expungement eligibility. Convictions for crimes like murder, rape, armed robbery, and other serious violent offenses generally cannot be expunged. Additionally, sex offenses that require registration under the sex offender laws face significant restrictions. If you were convicted of a crime on the ineligible list, expungement is not available. However, if your crime is not on the exclusion list, you likely have options. Some ineligible crimes may qualify for other forms of relief, such as felony reduction or record sealing, which can improve your record status. California Expungement Attorneys reviews your conviction to determine eligibility for expungement or alternative relief that achieves similar benefits.

The cost of felony expungement depends on whether your case is straightforward or complex. Cases where the prosecutor does not contest your petition and your circumstances clearly support relief cost less than cases requiring extensive legal arguments or court battles. Court filing fees and any costs for obtaining records also factor into the total expense. During your initial consultation, California Expungement Attorneys provides a clear estimate of costs based on your specific situation. We explain what you are paying for and help you understand the investment required. Many clients find the cost reasonable when they consider the long-term benefit of restoring their record and reopening opportunities that a felony conviction had closed.

Yes, felony reduction is an alternative to expungement that may work in some situations. A felony reduction means petitioning the court to lower your conviction from a felony to a misdemeanor. This does not dismiss your conviction, but it significantly improves your record because misdemeanors carry far less weight with employers and in background checks. Felony reduction is sometimes a better option if you are ineligible for expungement or if the prosecution is likely to oppose expungement but might accept reduction. California Expungement Attorneys evaluates both options for your case and advises which path offers the strongest likelihood of success and the greatest benefit to your circumstances.

Expungement and record sealing serve different purposes and have different outcomes. Expungement dismisses your conviction, allowing you to legally state that you were not convicted of that offense. Record sealing does not dismiss your conviction; instead, it restricts public access to your record, so it does not appear in background checks for employment, housing, or loans. For most practical purposes, the difference is minimal: both allow you to answer that you have no conviction when applying for jobs or housing. However, expungement is technically more complete relief because it actually dismisses the conviction. Some people are ineligible for expungement but qualify for record sealing. California Expungement Attorneys helps you understand which option applies to your situation and which offers better protection for your future.

Whether you need to appear in court depends on your specific case. Many expungement petitions are approved without a hearing, particularly if the prosecutor does not object and your circumstances clearly support relief. In these cases, the judge grants your petition based on the written papers we file. If the prosecutor opposes your petition or if the judge wants to hear arguments, we may request a hearing and represent you in court. California Expungement Attorneys handles all court appearances on your behalf, so even if you must attend, we prepare you thoroughly and advocate aggressively for your relief.

Absolutely, expungement can significantly help your employment and licensing prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can disqualify you from positions unrelated to your offense. Expungement removes that barrier, allowing you to answer truthfully that you have no conviction. For professional licenses, many licensing boards consider criminal convictions during their review process, and expungement strengthens your application. Some professions, such as law, psychology, and security, have strict rules about criminal convictions. Expungement improves your credibility and eligibility in these fields. While expungement does not guarantee employment or licensure, it eliminates a major obstacle and gives you fair consideration based on your qualifications.

If your expungement petition is denied, you have options. First, we review the court’s reason for denial to determine whether we can address the issues and refile. Sometimes petitions are denied on technical grounds that can be corrected with a revised filing. In other cases, denial is final, but alternative relief options may still be available. Record sealing, felony reduction, or other post-conviction relief strategies may work where expungement did not. California Expungement Attorneys does not give up after a single denial. We evaluate your case thoroughly and discuss all remaining paths to relief so you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

Legal Services