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.
Experience matters when you ask a judge to set aside a conviction. Our defense team brings more than 100 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.
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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.
Eligibility turns on a few clear conditions. You generally qualify when each of the following is true:
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, when each conviction independently qualifies. We file a separate petition for each case and confirm that everyone meets the requirements.
Often not. Many petitions are decided on the documents. If the judge sets a hearing, our team will appear and present your case.
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.
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This page was reviewed and approved by William S. Kroger, a leading criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Mr. Kroger has decades of experience defending clients in both state and federal courts. He is recognized for his strong trial skills and dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of serious criminal charges. His personalized defense strategies are designed to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. Clients trust Mr. Kroger for his knowledge, commitment, and proven results.
He is also an active member of respected legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. With his expertise and reputation, William S. Kroger is regarded as one of California’s top defense lawyers.
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