An old record is still costing you. California law may let you change that.
A past conviction or arrest can quietly block jobs, housing, and professional licenses for years. California offers several relief paths — dismissal, record sealing, felony reduction, and more. A private 2-minute review shows which ones may apply to your case.
Private assessment. No payment to find out where you stand.
From uncertainty to a filing plan
- 1
Tell us about your case
A few private questions about your conviction, county, and goals.
- 2
See the path that fits
We route you to DIY, expert review, or full service based on complexity.
- 3
Prepare and file
California-focused forms and instructions. Court timelines vary by county.
A closed case can still follow you for years.
Long after a sentence is served, a record keeps showing up where it matters most. Relief won’t rewrite the past — but for many Californians it changes what others can see going forward.
Employment
Background checks can stall hiring and promotions, even for roles you are qualified for.
Housing
Landlords routinely screen applicants, and a record can quietly remove you from the list.
Licensing
Professional and occupational boards may weigh a conviction when reviewing your application.
California has several relief paths. The quiz finds yours.
Dismissal, record sealing, felony reduction, automatic relief — eligibility turns on your conviction type, county, and timeline. Our private 2-minute review points you to the options that may actually apply, then to the service that fits.
Private · No payment to see your options · Results sent to your email
- 01
Tell us about your case
Conviction type, county, probation status, and what you are trying to unlock.
- 02
We map your relief options
You see which California paths may apply and what each one realistically does.
- 03
You get a service recommendation
DIY for straightforward cases, review before filing, or full service for complex ones.
Three levels of help. Matched to how complex your case is.
Not sure which one fits? The eligibility review recommends a path before you pay anything.
DIY Kit
For straightforward cases where you want the right forms and clear instructions.
- Complete California forms package
- Step-by-step filing instructions
- Sample completed forms
- Email support included
- Instant access after purchase
Expert Review
Before you file: a specialist reviews your case and paperwork to reduce mistakes.
- Everything in the DIY Kit
- Specialist completes your forms
- Case-specific review & analysis
- Phone consultation
- Filing guidance
Full Service
For complex cases: attorney-managed support from preparation through filing.
- Attorney-managed service
- Attorney prepares and files paperwork
- Court appearances handled if required
- Direct attorney access
- Written engagement agreement
Compare your options
| Feature | DIY Kit | Expert Review | Full Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forms and instructions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Case-specific review | — | Yes | Yes |
| Attorney-managed filing | — | — | Yes |
| Court appearances handled | — | — | If required |
| Best for | Simple cases | Unsure cases | Complex cases |
What happens once you have the DIY kit
No waiting and no surprises — you get everything you need to prepare your California paperwork the moment you check out.
Instant access to your kit
Right after checkout you receive the California forms package, step-by-step instructions, and sample completed forms.
Clear filing instructions
Plain-language guidance walks you through completing your forms and filing with the correct court for your county.
Email support included
Questions while you work through the kit? Reach our support team by email for help with the process.
Upgrade any time
If your case turns out to be more complex, add expert review or full service so a specialist handles more for you.
Eligibility & refund reassurance
Not sure you qualify? Start with the free eligibility check. If you buy the kit and your case does not match your eligibility after review, you are covered by our 30-day refund. Court timelines and outcomes vary by county and case type.
The questions people actually hesitate on
Is this just expensive paperwork I could do myself?
For straightforward cases, the DIY kit gives you exactly the right California forms and instructions for far less than hiring a firm. The value is knowing which forms apply and filing them correctly the first time.
What if I file it wrong?
That is what Expert Review exists for. A specialist checks your case and paperwork before you file, which reduces the kind of mistakes that lead to delays or rejections.
My case feels complicated.
Some cases involve felonies, multiple counties, or prior denials. Full Service is attorney-managed for exactly these situations, from preparation through any court appearances.
Will this actually erase my record?
True expungement does not exist in California. Eligible cases may qualify for dismissal, sealing, or reduction, which limits what most background checks show. We are upfront about what relief can and cannot do.
Built specifically for California record relief
- Forms and guidance built around California statutes and county court procedures — not a generic national template.
- Three transparent service levels so you only pay for the help your case actually needs.
- Clear, compliant explanations of what each relief path does and does not change.
How we work, and what we promise
The DIY kit is legal document-preparation support, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
With Full Service, an attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written engagement agreement is signed.
Results vary by case. We do not control court schedules, and we cannot guarantee a specific outcome or approval date. Court timelines vary by county.
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal advice?
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The DIY kit is document-preparation support, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you choose full service, an attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written engagement agreement is signed.
Will this erase my record completely?
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True expungement does not exist in California. Depending on your case, you may be eligible for relief such as dismissal, record sealing, felony reduction, or automatic record relief. We help you identify and pursue the options that may apply to your situation.
Can employers still see my record?
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Record relief can limit what appears in many public and employment background checks, but some government agencies, licensing bodies, and legally authorized employers may still access certain records.
How long does the court take?
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You can get started and prepare paperwork quickly, but court timelines vary by county, case type, and eligibility. We do not control court schedules and cannot guarantee a specific approval date.
What if I don’t qualify?
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Start with the free eligibility check before paying. If you buy the DIY kit and your case does not match your eligibility after review, you are covered by our 30-day refund policy.
Still unsure about your specific case?
The free eligibility review gives you answers based on your conviction type and county.
Take the first step today
Start with a free, private eligibility check to see which California record-cleaning options may apply to your case.
Instant access · 30-day refund if your case does not qualify after review