A Fresh Start Is Possible

Your past doesn't have to define your future. A criminal record can follow you for years, affecting employment, housing, education, and professional licensing. But California law provides several ways to clear or reduce your criminal history, giving you a genuine second chance.

Tony Carlos has helped hundreds of clients clear their records and move forward with their lives. Whether you're looking to expunge a conviction, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, or seal an arrest record, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.

Watch: Clear Your Criminal History

Record Clearing Services We Provide

  • PC 1203.4 Expungement - Dismiss your conviction after completing probation
  • Felony Reduction (PC 17(b)) - Reduce a "wobbler" felony to a misdemeanor
  • Early Termination of Probation - End probation early so you can apply for expungement sooner
  • Certificate of Rehabilitation - Formal recognition of rehabilitation for those who served prison time
  • Governor's Pardon - The ultimate form of forgiveness for a criminal conviction
  • Prop 47 Resentencing - Reduce certain felonies to misdemeanors and then expunge
  • Prop 64 Marijuana Relief - Clear or reduce old marijuana convictions
  • Arrest Record Sealing (PC 851.91) - Seal arrest records that didn't lead to conviction

What Is Expungement?

PC 1203.4 Dismissal

Under California Penal Code 1203.4, if you successfully completed probation (or obtained early termination), you can petition the court to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, enter a plea of not guilty, and have the case dismissed. After expungement, you can legally answer "no" to most questions about criminal convictions on job applications.

Benefits of Expungement

Employment

Most private employers cannot ask about or consider expunged convictions. You can answer "no" when asked if you've been convicted of a crime on most job applications.

Housing

An expunged record is less likely to appear on background checks, improving your chances of renting an apartment or home.

Professional Licensing

Many licensing boards look more favorably on expunged convictions, increasing your chances of obtaining or keeping a professional license.

Personal Peace

Moving past your criminal record can provide closure and the psychological benefit of knowing your past is behind you.

Eligibility for Expungement

You may be eligible for expungement if you:

  • Successfully completed probation (or had it terminated early)
  • Are not currently charged with a crime, on probation, or serving a sentence
  • Were not sentenced to state prison (exceptions exist under Prop 47)

Not eligible for expungement:

  • Sex offenses requiring registration under PC 290
  • Certain serious felonies against minors
  • Some vehicle code violations

Felony Reduction Under PC 17(b)

If you were convicted of a "wobbler" offense (one that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor), you may be able to reduce it to a misdemeanor even after conviction. This is often done before expungement to maximize the benefit.

Benefits of Felony Reduction

Restores your gun rights (for most offenses), eliminates felony conviction from your record, and allows you to honestly say you've never been convicted of a felony.

Common Wobblers

Assault with deadly weapon, grand theft, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession for sale, DUI with injury, and many more offenses can be reduced.

Proposition 47 Relief

Prop 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many theft and drug felonies as misdemeanors. If you have an old felony conviction for:

  • Simple drug possession
  • Petty theft with a prior
  • Shoplifting under $950
  • Bad check writing under $950
  • Receiving stolen property under $950
  • Forgery under $950

You may be able to have it reduced to a misdemeanor and then expunged.

Proposition 64 Marijuana Relief

If you have a marijuana conviction from before California legalized recreational cannabis, you may be eligible to have it reduced, dismissed, or sealed. This includes convictions for:

  • Marijuana possession
  • Cultivation of marijuana
  • Possession for sale
  • Transportation of marijuana

The Expungement Process

1. Case Review

We review your criminal history, probation status, and court records to determine eligibility and the best strategy.

2. Petition Preparation

We prepare and file the appropriate petitions with the court, including supporting declarations and documentation.

3. Court Hearing

In most cases, a court hearing is required. We appear with you (or on your behalf) to advocate for approval of your petition.

4. Order Granted

Once the court grants your petition, we ensure you receive certified copies of the dismissal order for your records.

Why Choose Tony Carlos for Expungement

Extensive Experience

Tony has helped hundreds of clients clear their records and understands the nuances of the expungement process.

Former Prosecutor

As a former DA, Tony knows how to present your case to overcome any objections from the prosecution.

Complete Review

We review your entire record to identify all available relief options, including felony reductions and arrest sealing.

Local Knowledge

15+ years in Sutter and Yuba County courts means understanding local procedures and judicial preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will expungement completely erase my record?

No, expungement is technically a "dismissal" that remains visible on your record but shows as dismissed. However, most employers cannot ask about or consider dismissed convictions. Certain agencies (law enforcement, licensing boards) may still see the original conviction.

Will I get my gun rights back?

Expungement alone does not restore firearm rights after a felony conviction. However, if you first reduce your felony to a misdemeanor under PC 17(b), and it's not a domestic violence or other disqualifying offense, your gun rights may be restored.

How long does the expungement process take?

Typically 8-12 weeks from filing to hearing, depending on the court's calendar. Some courts offer expedited processing in certain circumstances.

Can I expunge a conviction if I served prison time?

Generally, convictions resulting in state prison time are not eligible for PC 1203.4 expungement. However, you may qualify for a Certificate of Rehabilitation or, for certain offenses, Prop 47 relief. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need to appear in court?

In many cases, especially uncontested expungements, your attorney can appear on your behalf. If the DA objects or the court requires your presence, we'll prepare you for what to expect.