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

San Rafael Expungement Lawyer

Expungement in San Rafael

An expungement removes a conviction from your criminal record, giving you a fresh start. Whether you were convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or DUI, California Expungement Attorneys can help you petition the court to seal or dismiss your case. This process allows you to honestly answer that you were not arrested or convicted in many situations, restoring your reputation and opening doors to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Our team understands the impact a criminal record has on your life and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.

Many people don’t realize they may qualify for expungement even years after their conviction. The process requires filing the right paperwork, presenting compelling arguments to the judge, and navigating complex procedural rules. California Expungement Attorneys has helped hundreds of residents throughout Marin County move forward. We handle every aspect of your case with professionalism and care, from initial consultation through final disposition. If you’re ready to clear your record and reclaim your future, contact us today for a confidential evaluation.

The Power of a Clean Record

Clearing your criminal record is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your future. An expungement removes barriers to employment, allowing employers to see your potential rather than past mistakes. Housing discrimination based on convictions becomes significantly less likely, and you regain the ability to answer truthfully that you have no criminal record on most applications. Your professional licenses may be reinstated, student loan opportunities may open, and you’ll experience a profound sense of relief and dignity. California Expungement Attorneys helps you achieve this life-changing relief with compassion and legal knowledge.

Talk to a Lawyer

Our Proven Track Record

David Lehr leads California Expungement Attorneys with years of dedicated experience in post-conviction relief. Our firm specializes exclusively in expungements, record sealing, felony reductions, and rehabilitation services. We’ve successfully represented clients throughout Marin County and beyond, helping them overcome the stigma of criminal convictions. Our approach combines thorough legal research, strategic planning, and passionate advocacy on your behalf. We understand the court system, judges, prosecutors, and procedures that govern expungement cases. When you choose California Expungement Attorneys, you’re choosing a team committed to restoring your life.
Schedule a Consultation

How Expungement Works

Expungement is a legal process that allows you to petition the court to dismiss or seal your criminal conviction. In California, certain convictions can be expunged under law, which means they are removed from your public criminal record. The process begins with filing a petition with the court that originally convicted you. You must demonstrate that you’ve completed your sentence, stayed out of trouble, and that expungement serves the interests of justice. The burden is on you to make your case convincingly, and the judge has discretion in granting or denying your petition. California Expungement Attorneys prepares your petition thoroughly and presents your best arguments to the court.
The expungement process typically involves multiple steps, including investigating your case, filing formal paperwork, potentially attending a hearing, and arguing before a judge. Not all convictions qualify for expungement, which is why legal guidance is essential. Some convictions may be eligible for record sealing instead, which is nearly as beneficial for practical purposes. Certain serious offenses have restrictions, and sex offenses may have additional barriers. Our role is to evaluate your specific conviction, explain your options, and pursue the path that best serves your interests. The whole process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on court schedules and case complexity.

Need More Information?

Find Out If You Have a Case

Expungement Terms Explained

Expungement

A legal process that removes or seals a criminal conviction from your public record, allowing you to legally state in most situations that you were never convicted.

Sentencing

The penalty imposed by a judge after conviction, which may include probation, imprisonment, fines, or other conditions you must complete before becoming eligible for expungement.

Petition

A formal written request submitted to the court asking the judge to grant your expungement. This document explains why you deserve relief and why expungement serves justice.

Record Sealing

A process that closes your criminal record from public access, though law enforcement and certain government agencies may still view it in limited circumstances.

PRO TIPS

Meet All Requirements First

Before filing for expungement, ensure you’ve completed all sentencing requirements, including probation, fines, and restitution. The court is unlikely to grant expungement while you’re still serving your sentence. By completing everything the judge ordered, you demonstrate responsibility and greatly increase your chances of success.

Gather Your Documentation

Collect all documents related to your case, including the original judgment, probation records, completion certificates, and any letters of support. Thorough documentation strengthens your petition and shows the court you’re serious about expungement. Organize these materials chronologically so your attorney can quickly reference them when needed.

Act on Your Eligibility

Don’t assume you’re ineligible without legal advice—many people qualify for expungement without realizing it. Different convictions have different timelines, and some may be expungeable immediately after completion of sentence. Contact California Expungement Attorneys for a free evaluation to learn your actual options.

Expungement vs. Other Solutions

When Full Expungement is Your Best Path:

Multiple Convictions Needing Relief

If you have several convictions from different cases or dates, you may need separate petitions for each. A comprehensive strategy ensures all your cases are addressed systematically and your petition covers every opportunity. California Expungement Attorneys manages multiple cases simultaneously, coordinating filings and court appearances efficiently.

Complex Sentencing History

Cases with probation violations, prison time, and restitution require careful analysis to determine current eligibility. Some requirements may have been met while others are still ongoing, affecting your petition strategy. Our team evaluates every aspect of your sentence to identify the strongest approach.

When Record Sealing May Be Enough:

You Don't Qualify for Expungement Yet

Some convictions cannot be expunged due to statutory limitations, but record sealing may still be available. Sealing removes the record from public view, which achieves many of the same practical benefits for employment and housing. This option works well for cases where full expungement isn’t legally available.

Immediate Relief is a Priority

Record sealing sometimes moves faster through the court system than expungement petitions. If you need your record hidden from public view quickly, sealing may be the practical choice. We help you weigh speed against permanence when deciding your best strategy.

When San Rafael Residents Seek Expungement

Job or Career Advancement

A criminal record often blocks access to better employment and professional licensing. Expungement removes this barrier, allowing you to compete fairly for positions you deserve.

Housing and Rental Concerns

Landlords frequently conduct background checks and may reject applicants with convictions. Clearing your record greatly improves your chances of securing safe, stable housing.

Personal Dignity and Fresh Start

Beyond practical considerations, many seek expungement to reclaim their sense of self-worth. Removing the legal stigma of conviction provides psychological relief and genuine closure.

David M. Lehr

San Rafael Expungement Legal Services

Contact Us About Your Case

Why Choose California Expungement Attorneys

When you’re ready to move forward, you need legal representation that truly understands expungement law and the San Rafael court system. California Expungement Attorneys brings focused experience and unwavering commitment to every client. We’ve successfully guided hundreds through the expungement process, and we know how to present the strongest possible case to the judge. Our fees are transparent, our communication is clear, and your success is our priority. Unlike general practice attorneys, we live and breathe expungement law every single day.

Your consultation is confidential and free, so you can speak openly about your situation without fear. We listen carefully to your goals and explain exactly what expungement can and cannot do for you. We never overpromise or misrepresent your chances—we give you honest assessments based on legal precedent and court experience. David Lehr and our team treat every client with dignity and respect, recognizing that criminal records impact real people’s lives. When you hire California Expungement Attorneys, you’re hiring advocates who genuinely care about your future.

Start Your Expungement Today

(888) 788-7589

People Also Search For

Misdemeanor Expungement San Rafael

Felony Reduction Marin County

DUI Expungement California

Record Sealing San Rafael

Drug Conviction Expungement

Criminal Record Dismissal

Post-Conviction Relief Attorney

Clear Criminal Record California

Related Services

Services in San Rafael

Expungement

FAQS

How long does the expungement process take?

The timeline for expungement varies depending on your specific case and court schedules. In some straightforward cases, the process may be completed in four to six weeks, while more complex matters might take several months. We always provide realistic timelines during your consultation and keep you updated throughout. The court must review your petition, and in some cases, the prosecutor may respond or you may need to attend a hearing. We handle all communication with the court and work to move your case forward as efficiently as possible. Factors that affect timing include case complexity, whether the prosecutor opposes your petition, and current court backlogs. Cases involving multiple convictions naturally take longer than single-count dismissals. Our experience helps us anticipate delays and prepare strategies to keep your case moving. The moment your expungement is granted, the conviction is removed from your public record, so the wait is worthwhile.

Once your expungement is granted and the conviction is dismissed, it will not appear on standard background checks conducted by private employers, landlords, or most other organizations. You can legally answer that you were not convicted in these situations. Your record is essentially cleared from public view, which is the primary benefit of expungement for employment and housing purposes. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still access sealed records in limited circumstances. Some background check companies may take time to update their databases after the court grants your expungement, so there can be a brief lag period. If you encounter a background check that still shows your conviction, California Expungement Attorneys can help you address it. We recommend notifying prospective employers or landlords that your record has been cleared and providing documentation from the court. In nearly all practical situations, an expunged conviction will not appear on screenings that matter for your daily life.

Yes, expungement is not guaranteed, and judges do have discretion to deny petitions. However, many convictions carry a presumption in favor of expungement if you’ve met all statutory requirements. Certain serious offenses, sex crimes, and crimes causing great bodily injury may face stricter standards. The prosecutor may also oppose your petition, presenting arguments for why expungement should be denied. Our role is to overcome these barriers with thorough legal arguments and compelling evidence of your rehabilitation. Denial typically occurs when you haven’t completed all sentencing requirements, have new criminal charges, or the judge believes expungement doesn’t serve justice. We carefully evaluate your case before filing to ensure you have a realistic chance of success. If your circumstances show rehabilitation, stable employment, community ties, and responsible conduct, we build that narrative persuasively. Even if expungement is initially denied, you may be able to refile after meeting additional requirements or after more time has passed.

Most felonies and misdemeanors in California can be expunged if you meet the eligibility requirements, including completing your sentence and staying out of trouble. Common expungeable convictions include theft, drug possession, assault, burglary, DUI, and many property crimes. Felonies reduced to misdemeanors are often easier to expunge than offenses that remain felonies. The key is that you must have completed probation, served your prison time if applicable, and paid restitution or fines ordered by the court. Certain convictions face restrictions, such as serious violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children in some circumstances. However, even these may be expungeable under specific conditions or timelines. The only way to know for certain whether your conviction qualifies is to have California Expungement Attorneys evaluate your case. We’ll review your judgment documents, sentencing records, and current criminal statutes to give you an accurate answer about your options.

While you have the legal right to file for expungement yourself, having an attorney significantly increases your chances of success. Expungement petitions require specific legal language, proper filing procedures, and compelling arguments about why the judge should grant relief. Mistakes in your petition can result in denial, and starting over costs additional time and money. California Expungement Attorneys knows how to present your case persuasively and anticipate objections from prosecutors. We handle all the paperwork, court deadlines, and procedural requirements so you don’t have to. Many people attempt to file expungement petitions on their own and face denial, often missing key legal arguments or failing to address judge concerns. An experienced attorney like David Lehr understands what each judge in Marin County values and how to tailor your petition accordingly. We also advocate for you if the prosecutor opposes your petition, which is common in serious cases. The cost of representation is typically far less than the long-term value of having a clear record.

If your expungement petition is denied, it’s not necessarily the end of the road. You may be able to refile after additional time has passed or after demonstrating further rehabilitation. Some denials are appealed if legal error occurred in the judge’s decision. California Expungement Attorneys will analyze the judge’s reasons for denial and determine whether appealing or refiling is your best option. If the denial resulted from incomplete sentences or recent criminal activity, we’ll help you understand what needs to happen before you’re eligible to try again. In the meantime, record sealing may be an available alternative that provides similar practical benefits without expungement. This allows your record to be hidden from public view in most circumstances. We also explore whether a felony reduction might make your conviction more expungeable in the future. Our goal is to find every available path to relief, whether that’s a successful expungement petition, record sealing, or a strategic felony reduction.

The cost of expungement depends on the complexity of your case and how much work is required. Cases with single convictions and completed sentences typically cost less than cases with multiple charges, probation violations, or prosecutor opposition. California Expungement Attorneys provides a clear fee estimate during your initial consultation so there are no surprises. Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees, though both are typically reasonable compared to the life-changing benefits of expungement. We offer flexible payment options to make legal representation accessible. When you consider the cost against the practical benefits—better employment, housing, and professional opportunities—expungement is an investment in your future. Many clients find that clearing their record enables them to pursue jobs or careers that make significantly more money, quickly offsetting the legal costs. We also offer free initial consultations, so you can learn your options and pricing without any obligation.

Yes, DUI convictions can often be expunged in California, whether they were misdemeanor or felony DUIs. The eligibility requirements are similar to other crimes: you must have completed your sentence, including probation, paid fines, and stayed out of trouble since your conviction. First-time DUI offenders often have strong cases for expungement, particularly if years have passed since the conviction. DUI expungement is a common practice, and California Expungement Attorneys has successfully expunged many DUI records for clients throughout the Bay Area. DUI expungement is especially important because of the lasting impact on employment, professional licenses, and personal reputation. Removing a DUI from your record opens doors in fields like transportation, security, healthcare, and professional services where background checks are mandatory. Even if your DUI resulted in prison time or high fines, expungement may still be available. We evaluate your specific DUI case to determine the best strategy for achieving record relief.

Expungement dismisses your conviction and removes it from your record, but it may not automatically restore your gun rights depending on your specific conviction. Certain felonies result in permanent firearm restrictions regardless of expungement. However, for misdemeanor convictions and some felonies, expungement can restore your Second Amendment rights. The relationship between expungement and gun rights is complex and depends on both state and federal law. California Expungement Attorneys can evaluate your case to explain how your specific conviction affects firearm eligibility. If restoring gun rights is important to you, we discuss this during your consultation and determine whether expungement alone will achieve that goal or whether additional post-conviction relief is necessary. Some cases may benefit from a felony reduction combined with expungement, which provides better outcomes for firearm restoration. We’re knowledgeable about the intersection of expungement and Second Amendment rights and will guide you through all available options.

Getting started is simple: call California Expungement Attorneys at (888) 788-7589 for a free, confidential consultation. During this call, we’ll discuss your specific conviction, learn about your circumstances, and explain your expungement options. You can also submit information about your case through our website, and we’ll contact you to schedule a conversation. There’s no obligation, and you can ask questions to determine whether expungement is right for you and whether our firm is the right fit. David Lehr and our team are ready to listen and help you understand your options. Bring your sentencing documents or judgment if you have them available, as these help us evaluate your case quickly. If you don’t have these documents, we can often obtain them from the court. Once we take your case, we handle everything: filing your petition, communicating with the court and prosecutor, preparing for hearings if necessary, and following through until your conviction is dismissed. Your path to a clean record starts with a single phone call or online contact.

Legal Services in San Rafael, CA

Expungement and post-conviction relief representation

Expungement Services

Felony ExpungementMisdemeanor ExpungementDUI ExpungementDrug Conviction Expungement

Legal Services