Check whether you are eligible for expungement under California Penal Code section 1203.4
Confirm you completed probation, or determine whether you qualify for early termination of probation
Obtain your criminal case information from the court where the conviction occurred
Ask the court clerk for the free or low-cost expungement forms
Use Judicial Council forms, including Petition for Dismissal and any required attachments
Request a fee waiver if the court charges filing fees
File the completed forms with the criminal court that handled your case
Serve any required copies on the prosecutor or probation department if required by the court
Attend the hearing if the court schedules one
Ask the court to grant the dismissal and update your record
Get a certified copy of the signed court order for your records
Check with the California Department of Justice and any background check agencies to confirm the record update
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or eligible felony, ask about automatic relief options that may apply
Contact a local legal aid organization, public defender office, or county law library for free help with the process