Charges rejected
Felony domestic violence arrest. The prosecutor declined to file charges at the arraignment.
2022Home / Expungement · Los Angeles
Expungement lawyer in Los Angeles.
An old conviction can follow you into job applications, housing and professional licensing. California law lets many people dismiss past convictions, and we handle the petition from start to finish.
What an expungement does
Under Penal Code section 1203.4, the court can set aside a conviction: the guilty plea or verdict is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. For most private employment, you can then lawfully answer that you have not been convicted of that offense, and California law generally bars private employers from asking about or considering it.
Who usually qualifies
- You completed probation, or the court ended it early.
- You are not currently charged with a crime, on probation or serving a sentence.
- The offense is one the statute covers. Most misdemeanors and many felonies qualify.
Some convictions that led to state prison use different procedures, and certain offenses are excluded. We review your record and tell you exactly which options apply.
Felony reductions and other relief
Many felonies in California are "wobblers" that can be reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code section 17(b), often in the same petition as the expungement. California also provides automatic record relief for some older cases, but not all; a petition is often still the most complete way to clear a record.
What it does not do
An expungement does not erase the record entirely. It must still be disclosed on some government and state licensing applications, it does not restore firearm rights, and it can be considered if there is a future case. We explain how these limits apply to your goals before filing.
We have cleared DUI, theft and assault convictions for clients. Call (310) 415-9499.
Case results
Recent results.
Selected outcomes from the firm’s closed matters.
Dismissed
Firearm discharge case dismissed after the client completed diversion. No conviction.
2023Dismissed
Criminal case against a commercial property owner and its company over a cannabis tenant. Dismissed as to both.
2022Dismissed
Property owner charged with building-permit violations tied to a tenant's dispensary. Case dismissed.
2025Funds returned
Cash seized in a raid aimed at a neighbor was returned to the client, who was never charged.
2023Results depend on the facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details are withheld for privacy.
Common questions
Questions clients ask first.
General information about California law, not legal advice for your situation.
How long does an expungement take in Los Angeles?
It varies by courthouse and caseload. After the petition is filed, the court sets a hearing and the prosecutor can respond. Many petitions are decided within a few months.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually not. In most cases your attorney can handle the filing and any hearing without you appearing.
Can I expunge a DUI?
Yes, in most cases, once probation is complete. The DMV record is separate and is not changed by the expungement.
Client reviews
5.0 stars on Google from 46 clients.
Very grateful to Mr. Manavi for representing me against a insurance company that was trying to deny me equitable payment in the repair of my childhood home after a negligent plumber. Mr. Manavi advocated fiercely, expertly, and strategically to secure a favorable outcome.
Saman had great attention to detail when it came to my case. … Not only was he accurate in the timeline I provided for my case but he was very clear in communicating his strategy and made me feel very comfortable with my case.
He was always available when I needed him and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He explained things clearly, but was also very understanding and easy to talk to, which made a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable.
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