How to Get a Felony Expunged in California
- 1). Obtain a copy of your criminal record in order to have your exact convictions. You may obtain your record from your attorney, your parole or probation officer, or from the California State Department of Justice Criminal Records Division.
- 2). Request early release from probation if you're currently on probation for your felony. File a PC 1203.3 petition to have probation terminated early.
- 3). File a PC 17(b) to get your conviction reduced if you've completed probation and/or have finished serving county jail time, or after you have filed the petition to have probation terminated early.
- 4). File a PC 1203.4 petition for expungement after the conviction has been reduced.
- 5). File a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon if you've served prison time for your felony in California or you're under the authority of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. You're not eligible for dismissal but may be granted a Certificate of Rehabilitation. This is a more in-depth process and may require a lawyer. You may get a public defender in your county to help with the case.
