A California DUI conviction can be dismissed after you complete probation. That relief comes from Penal Code 1203.4, which changes how your record appears to employers and landlords.
If you want a clean slate, a Los Angeles DUI expungement lawyer at William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law can file the petition and handle the court process for you.
Our team has defended Los Angeles criminal cases for decades, and we know what local judges expect from a dismissal request. Contact our Beverly Hills office at (323) 655-5700 for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law for DUI Expungement in Los Angeles?
Experience matters when you ask a judge to set aside a conviction. Our defense team brings more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience to every petition we file. We have handled over 5,000 criminal cases across California, from minor charges to serious felonies.
That record includes hard trial wins. Our attorneys secured a not guilty verdict in a case involving 220 kilos of cocaine, and we have obtained dismissals in serious felony matters. The same preparation drives how we approach a DUI dismissal.
Our Los Angeles DUI attorneys also keep the process clear. Our team explains each stage so you know what to expect, and we serve Spanish-speaking clients with interpreters when needed. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Can You Expunge a DUI in California?
Yes. Most people who finish probation for a DUI can have the conviction dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4. This relief applies to misdemeanor DUIs and to felony DUIs where the court granted probation instead of a state prison term.
California does not erase records the way the word “expungement” suggests. Instead, the court reopens your case, lets you withdraw your guilty or no-contest plea, enters a not guilty plea, and dismisses the charge. Your record then shows a dismissal rather than a conviction.
That change carries real weight. After a dismissal, you can tell most private employers that you were not convicted of the offense. A reduced charge can qualify, too; a wet reckless plea under Vehicle Code 23103.5 is eligible for the same relief once probation is complete.
Who Qualifies for a DUI Expungement in Los Angeles?
Eligibility turns on a few clear conditions. You generally qualify when each of the following is true:
- You completed probation, or the court granted early termination of your probation
- You did not serve time in state prison for the DUI
- You are not currently charged with a crime, on probation, or serving a sentence in any other case
- You paid all fines, fees, and restitution the court ordered
- You finished DUI school and any other required programs
Probation for a DUI usually runs three to five years. If you are still on probation but have remained compliant, we can ask the court to end it early under Penal Code 1203.3, which may allow for an earlier dismissal.
State prison cases follow a different path. A DUI that sent you to state prison, or a DUI causing injury, may still qualify for relief under Penal Code 1203.42, which carries its own waiting period. We review your disposition to confirm which statute fits your case.
The DUI Expungement Process in Los Angeles
The process is procedural, not a retrial. You are not arguing innocence; you are asking the court for relief you have earned. Our team manages each step so nothing stalls your petition.
Here is how a Los Angeles DUI expungement moves through the court:
- We confirm your eligibility and gather proof of probation completion, payments, and program certificates
- We file a Petition for Dismissal, Form CR-180, in the court that handled your DUI
- We serve the petition on the district attorney, who can review and respond
- A judge reviews the request and may decide on the paperwork alone or set a short hearing
- When the court grants the petition, the judge signs the order, Form CR-181, and dismisses the case
Most DUI expungements take roughly three to four months after filing. Courts in busy Los Angeles County sometimes need longer. Complete and accurate paperwork is the best way to avoid delays, and that is where focused legal help pays off.
What a DUI Expungement Does Not Do
A dismissal helps, but it has limits. Knowing them helps you set the right expectations before you file.
A DUI expungement does not restore your driving privileges. If the DMV suspended or revoked your license, that action stays in place. The conviction also remains on your DMV driving record.
It still counts as a prior. Under Vehicle Code 23540, a DUI within 10 years of a new DUI triggers harsher penalties, even after the first one is dismissed. A dismissal does not reset that 10-year window.
Other limits apply too. An expungement does not restore firearm rights on its own, does not undo immigration consequences, and may still require disclosure for certain government jobs or professional licenses. We explain how these rules affect your situation during your case evaluation.
Other Post-Conviction Relief We Handle
A DUI dismissal is one of several tools to clean up a record. Depending on your history, other options may fit better or work alongside an expungement.
Early Termination of Probation
If you have completed most of your probation without violations, we can petition under Penal Code 1203.3 to end it early. Ending probation often clears the way to file for a dismissal right away.
Felony Reduction
Some DUIs are charged as felonies that can later be reduced to misdemeanors. A reduction can lower the lasting impact of the conviction and support a follow-up petition for dismissal.
Automatic Record Relief
California now seals many older convictions automatically under Penal Code 1203.425. If automatic relief has not reached your record, filing your own petition is the more reliable path, and we can confirm where your case stands.
DUI Expungement FAQs
How long does a DUI expungement take in California?
Most petitions resolve in three to four months after filing. Heavier court calendars in Los Angeles County can add time, and accurate paperwork keeps the process moving.
Can I expunge a felony DUI?
Often, yes. If the court granted probation and you did not serve a state prison term, a felony DUI may qualify under Penal Code 1203.4. State prison cases may still find relief under a separate statute.
Will an expungement remove the DUI from my driving record?
No. A dismissal updates your criminal record, not your DMV driving record. The DUI can still count as a prior for 10 years under California law.
Can I expunge more than one DUI?
Yes, when each conviction independently qualifies. We file a separate petition for each case and confirm that everyone meets the requirements.
Do I have to go to court?
Often not. Many petitions are decided on the documents. If the judge sets a hearing, our team will appear and present your case.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Expungement Lawyer
A past DUI does not have to limit your future. If you completed probation, a dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4 may be within reach, and the team at William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law is ready to file it. We serve clients across Los Angeles County, in English and Spanish, and we explain every step before we take it.
Contact our Los Angeles DUI expungement lawyers today at (323) 655-5700 for a free case evaluation. Let us help you clear your record and move forward.