To get your record expunged in San Francisco, you file a petition under PC 1203.4 to withdraw your guilty plea and have the case dismissed. You must have completed probation, have no pending charges, and not be currently serving a sentence. For arrest records that still show even after dismissal, you file separately for arrest sealing under PC 851.91. For old felonies that now qualify as misdemeanors, you petition under Prop 47. Most petitions resolve within 4–8 weeks.
“Dismissed” Doesn’t Mean “Invisible”
This is the problem most people don't discover until it's too late. You completed probation. You moved on. But every background check drags you back. Employers see it. Landlords see it. Licensing boards see it.
California law provides real tools to clean up your record — but most people don't know they exist, and the ones who do often don't know which tool to use. There are three main options, and they do different things.
Three Tools for Clearing Your Record
PC 1203.4 — Expungement
The court reopens your case, withdraws the guilty plea, enters a not-guilty plea, and dismisses the case. On most background checks, the conviction now shows as “dismissed” instead of “convicted.”
Who qualifies: Completed probation (or eligible for early termination). No pending charges. Not currently serving a sentence. Most misdemeanor and many felony convictions are eligible.
PC 851.91 — Arrest Record Sealing
Even after dismissal, the arrest still shows on your record. Sealing removes it entirely. Once sealed, you can legally answer “No” when asked if you've ever been arrested.
Who qualifies: Cases dismissed, acquitted, never filed, statute of limitations expired, or resolved through diversion.
Prop 47 — Felony Reduction
Proposition 47 reclassified certain felonies as misdemeanors. If you were convicted of a qualifying felony — petty theft, shoplifting, forgery under $950, simple drug possession — you can petition for retroactive reduction to a misdemeanor.
This eliminates felony-specific consequences: firearms restrictions, jury service disqualification, and severe employment limitations.
Why Record Clearing Matters
How Long Does an Expungement Take?
Most expungement petitions in San Francisco resolve within 4–8 weeks of filing. Some are granted on the papers without a hearing. Others require a brief court appearance. After the court grants relief, we ensure the order is transmitted to the DOJ so your California RAP sheet is updated.
How Much Does an Expungement Cost?
Expungement fees range from $500 to $3,000 depending on complexity — single conviction vs. multiple matters, misdemeanor vs. felony, expungement alone vs. combined with arrest sealing.
ASH Legal quotes a specific flat fee during your consultation based on your specific situation. No hourly billing. No hidden costs.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Tell us what's on your record. We'll tell you what can come off and exactly what it will cost.
Schedule Free ConsultationAhmed S. Hasan
San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney · Bar #364992
Ahmed S. Hasan is the founder of ASH Legal, a criminal defense practice in San Francisco focused on DUI, domestic violence, theft, and misdemeanor defense. He represents clients at the Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street) and the Civic Center Courthouse. Emory University School of Law graduate.