A DUI conviction in California can follow you for years—affecting job prospects, housing applications, and even personal relationships. Fortunately, California law allows eligible individuals to expunge a DUI from their record. This guide will walk you through what DUI expungement is, who qualifies, what the process entails, and how it could positively impact your life.
If you’ve been searching for clarity on how to move forward from a past mistake, this comprehensive breakdown is designed to give you the best answers and options—starting today.
What Is DUI Expungement in California?
DUI expungement refers to the legal process that allows you to petition the court to dismiss a past DUI conviction, effectively clearing it from your public criminal record. The statute that governs this process is California Penal Code Section 1203.4.
An expungement in California does not automatically change your plea from “guilty” or “no contest” to “not guilty.” Instead, it involves the court dismissing the conviction after you have completed probation or any sentence related to the offense. While the conviction is treated as dismissed for most purposes—such as applying for jobs or housing—it may still be visible to certain government agencies and used in future legal proceedings.
Who Is Eligible for DUI Expungement?
To qualify for DUI expungement in California, you must meet specific requirements, including:
✅ Completed Probation: You’ve successfully fulfilled all conditions of probation for the DUI offense.
✅ No Current Charges: You’re not facing any other criminal charges at the time of your petition.
✅ No Prison Sentence: Your sentence did not include state prison.
Even if you had probation violations, you may still be eligible, though the court will have more discretion in deciding whether to grant the expungement.
Steps to Expunge a DUI Conviction
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how DUI expungement works in California:
1. Gather Case Information
You’ll need the case number, court location, and sentencing details.
2. File a Petition
Submit Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and Form CR-181 (Order for Dismissal) to the court that handled your case.
3. Pay the Filing Fee
Courts may charge a filing fee, usually ranging between $120 to $250, though this varies by county.
4. Attend a Hearing (If Required)
Some cases are decided without a hearing, but others may require you to appear and show why the expungement should be granted.
5. Receive the Court’s Decision
If approved, your conviction will be officially dismissed, and you’ll get a copy of the court order for your records.
Benefits of DUI Expungement
Even though an expungement doesn’t erase the DUI entirely from every system (such as the DMV or law enforcement databases), it comes with significant benefits:
✔ Improved Job Opportunities
Most private employers cannot ask about expunged convictions—and you can legally say you haven’t been convicted of a crime.
✔ Easier Housing Applications
Landlords conducting background checks won’t see a dismissed conviction.
✔ Enhanced Reputation
Your record is cleaner, allowing you to apply for roles or professional licenses with confidence.
✔ Better Access to Education and Loans
Some educational programs and financial aid agencies may take criminal records into account. An expungement improves your standing.
Limitations of Expungement
While DUI expungement is powerful, it’s not a total erasure. Keep these limitations in mind:
🚫 DMV Points Stay: The DMV may still count the DUI when calculating license points or determining insurance rates.
🚫 “Priorable” Offense: If you get another DUI within 10 years, the old one (even expunged) still counts as a prior offense.
🚫 Professional Licensing Boards: Agencies like the State Bar or Medical Board may still see the conviction when reviewing your history.
🚫 Federal Disclosure: Expunged convictions may need to be disclosed in federal applications or immigration matters.
How Long Does DUI Expungement Take?
On average, expungement takes between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the court’s backlog and complexity of your case. Hiring an attorney can speed up the process and improve your chances—especially if your case involves complications like probation violations or multiple offenses.
Why Choose Southwest Legal for DUI Expungement Help?
At Southwest Legal, we understand how a DUI conviction can hold you back—and we know how to fix it. Our experienced legal team will:
✅ Review your case eligibility
✅ Handle all court filings and legal paperwork
✅ Represent you in court (if needed)
✅ Maximize your chances of a successful outcome
We’ve helped Californians reclaim their future—and we can help you too.
Don’t let a DUI conviction define your future. With the right legal guidance, you can move forward—with confidence. Call us today for a free consultation to get started. Expungement isn’t just a legal process—it’s a fresh start. Let’s make it happen.
