Monday, July 24, 2023

CA Expungements Just Got Even Cheaper and Easier

Effective July 10, 2023, the California State Legislature has repealed the filing fee that courts could impose for expungement petitions.  

Section 1203.4 et seq. of the California Penal Code previously allowed local courts to set expungement filing fees up to $150 per case.  Actual fees varied, depending on the courthouse and on whether or not the judge's decision required a formal report from the probation department.  

Starting this month, though, there is no fee to file an expungement petition anywhere in the State of California.  Take advantage of this while it lasts.  

Our office has been processing expungements in Southern California for over a decade.  We have the experience that it takes to to file applications quickly, efficiently and correctly the first time.  This new amendment to the law is going to make the process even smoother and cheaper for our clients, so I am happy to announce it.  

Currently, the court grants expungements anywhere from 3-8 weeks after they receive the petitions.  I am curious to see if that timeframe changes now that the court may experience a higher volume of petitions and fewer funds will available to pay for the additional manhours required.  

If you or a loved one have questions about applying for an expungement in California, call us for a free attorney consultation.  (714) 449-3335.  Ask for John. 

Thanks for reading.