Los Angeles DUI Expungement Attorney
Clear Your DUI Record in Los Angeles
A DUI conviction on your record can cost you job opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications, and more — long after your sentence is complete. If you completed probation for a DUI conviction in California, you may be eligible to have that conviction dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, our DUI expungement attorney has helped Los Angeles clients clear their records and move forward for over 20 years. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation to find out if you qualify.
What Is a DUI Expungement in California?
A DUI expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 allows you to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the court dismiss your case. The conviction is not completely erased from your record, but its status changes from a conviction to a dismissal. That distinction matters in practical terms.
After a successful DUI expungement in California:
- You can legally answer no on most private employer job applications when asked whether you have been convicted of a crime
- Most private background checks will show the conviction as dismissed rather than as an active conviction
- Professional licensing boards will see a dismissal rather than a standing conviction, which carries significantly less weight in licensing decisions
- You can move forward without the ongoing stigma of an active DUI conviction on your record
A DUI expungement does not restore firearm rights, relieve you of any DMV license suspension consequences, or prevent the conviction from being used as a prior offense if you are charged with a subsequent DUI. Our DUI expungement attorney explains exactly what expungement will and will not do for your specific situation before any petition is filed.
Who Qualifies for DUI Expungement in California?
Eligibility for DUI expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 depends on how your case was resolved and how you served your sentence. Our firm evaluates every client’s eligibility in detail before filing.
You are eligible if:
- You were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DUI in California state court
- You were sentenced to probation rather than state prison
- You have successfully completed probation, or your probation has been terminated early
- You have fulfilled all conditions of probation including fines, DUI school, community service, and any other court-ordered requirements
- You are not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another criminal offense
You are not eligible if:
- Your DUI conviction resulted in a state prison sentence rather than county jail or probation
- Your DUI conviction involved a sex offense with a minor
- Your DUI involved serious bodily injury and was charged as a felony with a state prison term
Both misdemeanor and felony DUI convictions can qualify for expungement in California provided the eligibility requirements are met. If you have not yet completed probation, our firm can file a petition for early termination of probation under Penal Code 1203.3 as a first step, then proceed with the expungement.
How the DUI Expungement Process Works in Los Angeles
The DUI expungement process in California involves specific filing requirements, court procedures, and deadlines. Our firm handles every step on your behalf.
Eligibility Evaluation: Our DUI expungement attorney reviews your complete case history, the specific conviction, how your sentence was served, and whether all probation conditions have been fulfilled. We identify every available option and advise you on what expungement will accomplish for your specific situation before we proceed.
Early Termination of Probation if Needed: If your probation period has not yet been formally completed, our firm files a petition for early termination under Penal Code 1203.3. We present a compelling case to the court based on your compliance history, personal rehabilitation, and the absence of any public safety concern that would justify continued supervision.
Preparing and Filing the Petition: Our firm prepares the expungement petition, gathers all supporting documentation including proof of probation completion and payment of fines, and files the petition in the appropriate Los Angeles County court. We serve notice on the prosecuting agency as required and respond to any objections.
The Court Hearing: Many DUI expungement petitions are granted without a contested hearing. When a hearing is required, our firm appears and advocates for the grant of the petition. The judge reviews your compliance with probation, the nature of the original offense, and any other relevant factors before ruling.
The Order of Dismissal: When the petition is granted, the court enters an order of dismissal. Our firm ensures the order is properly recorded and transmitted to the relevant agencies, confirms that your record reflects the dismissal correctly, and advises you on how to respond to background check inquiries going forward.
The entire process typically takes two to six months depending on the specific court and the circumstances of the petition. Our firm keeps you informed at every stage.
DUI Convictions That Cannot Be Expunged in California
Not every DUI conviction qualifies for expungement. The following are excluded under California law:
- DUI convictions that resulted in a state prison sentence rather than county jail or probation
- Felony DUI convictions involving serious bodily injury where a state prison term was imposed
- DUI convictions involving a sex offense with a minor
If your DUI conviction does not qualify for standard expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, other remedies may be available depending on your circumstances, including a certificate of rehabilitation or a governor’s pardon. Our firm evaluates every available option for every client.
Why Los Angeles Clients Choose The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi for DUI Expungement
Our firm manages the entire DUI expungement process on your behalf, from the initial eligibility evaluation through petition filing, court appearances, and post-order follow-up. Most clients do not need to appear in court at all. A denied expungement petition makes future petitions significantly harder to obtain, and judges who have already denied a motion are less likely to grant a subsequent one — which is why our firm prepares every petition thoroughly, anticipates prosecution objections, and presents the strongest possible case from the outset. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, Attorney Hashemi handles your case personally from the first consultation through the final order. You will always know the status of your petition, what to expect at each stage, and you will never be left without answers or passed to a paralegal.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Expungement Attorney Today
Don’t let a past mistake limit your future opportunities. If you’re ready to clear your criminal record and move forward with your life, we’re here to help. With decades of experience in criminal defense and expungement cases, our legal team provides personalized strategies tailored to your specific situation. We’ll guide you through the entire expungement process, from evaluating your eligibility to representing you in court, ensuring you get the best possible outcome and a fresh start.
Schedule a Consultation:
Phone: (310) 448-1529
Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.
Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We offer flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we can visit you in jail to discuss your case. Contact us today to begin the process of clearing your DUI record and moving forward with confidence.