Orange County DUI Expungement Lawyer

Can a DUI Be Expunged in California?

In many cases, yes. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who completed probation for a misdemeanor DUI, and some felony DUIs, may petition the court to withdraw their plea and have the case dismissed.

An expungement does not completely erase the DUI, but it would allow you to legally answer “no” in most private employment situations when asked about convictions.

For many people in Orange County, expungement is the final step in putting a DUI behind them.

Who Qualifies for DUI Expungement?

You may qualify if:

• You successfully completed probation
• You paid all fines, restitution, and court fees
• You are not currently charged with another crime
• You did not serve time in state prison (with limited exceptions)

Both first-time DUI offenses and many repeat misdemeanor DUIs may be eligible. Certain felony DUIs can also qualify, depending on how the sentence was served.

If your case was handled in courts such as the Orange County Superior Court, your petition must be filed in the same courthouse where the conviction occurred.

What DUI Expungement Does and Does Not Do

It’s important to understand the limits.

What It Does:

• Dismisses the conviction
• Updates your criminal record
• Improves background check results
• Helps with most private-sector employment opportunities

What It Does Not Do:

• Remove the DUI from your driving record
• Prevent it from counting as a prior DUI for future offenses
• Restore firearm rights if they were lost
• Eliminate DMV consequences

Even with these limitations, expungement can dramatically improve your future prospects.

Do I Need an Attorney for DUI Expungement?

While expungement may seem like paperwork, mistakes can delay or derail your petition. 

Courts require:

• Accurate filings
• Proof of probation completion
• Proper service and scheduling
• Potential court appearances

An experienced DUI expungement attorney can:

• Review your eligibility
• Obtain court records
• Prepare and file the petition correctly
• Appear in court on your behalf in many cases
• Address judicial concerns or objections

Local experience matters. Each courthouse in Orange County may handle petitions slightly differently. Having counsel familiar with local procedures can streamline the process.

How Long Does DUI Expungement Take?

Most DUI expungement petitions in Orange County take:

• 6–12 weeks from filing to court decision
• Longer if additional documentation or hearings are required

In many cases, you do not need to appear in court — your attorney can handle the matter for you.

Benefits of Clearing Your DUI Record

In a competitive region like Orange County, background checks are standard. 

Expungement can help you:

• Apply for higher-paying jobs
• Seek promotions
• Obtain professional licenses
• Apply for housing without fear of automatic denial
• Move forward without the stigma of a conviction

You’ve already completed your sentence. Expungement allows your record to reflect that.

Take the Next Step Toward a Clean Record

A DUI does not have to define your future. If you completed probation and stayed out of trouble, you may be eligible to clear your conviction.

Our DUI expungement lawyers in Orange County can evaluate your case and guide you through every step of the process — efficiently, discreetly, and professionally.

Call today to find out if you qualify and start the process of putting your DUI behind you: (562) 330-4173.