Los Angeles County Expungement Attorneys

Reviewed: May 27, 2026

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States and the center of California's criminal court system. Expungement and record relief petitions go through the Los Angeles Superior Court, which has courthouses throughout the county. The DA's office reviews petitions and the volume of cases means that procedural precision — correct form, correct court, complete service — matters more than in smaller California counties.

At a glance

✓ Court system: LA Superior Court — file at originating branch
✓ Timeline: 3–5 months for uncontested petition
✓ Automatic relief (AB 1076): No petition needed — DOJ processes eligible cases
✓ Free help: Bet Tzedek, NLSLA, Homeboy Industries, Public Defender Reentry

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Filing in LA Superior Court

Expungement petitions under PC 1203.4 are filed in the LA Superior Court courthouse where the original conviction occurred. Los Angeles County has dozens of branch courthouses — Compton, Torrance, Van Nuys, Pomona, Pasadena, Long Beach, and others — and petitions must go to the branch that handled the case, not a central office. The LA Superior Court Criminal Division records are accessible online through the court's public portal at lacourt.org.

For AB 1076 automatic relief and SB 731 automatic sealing, no filing is required — the California DOJ submits eligible cases automatically. An attorney can check whether your record has been processed and petition on your behalf if the automatic system missed your case.

Prop 64 and marijuana relief in LA

The LA DA's office and many branch courts processed the bulk of California's Prop 64 marijuana redesignation and dismissal petitions. If you had a marijuana possession conviction in LA County and it has not yet been dismissed, reduced, or sealed, an attorney can identify the fastest path — Prop 64 petition, AB 1076 automatic relief, or SB 731 sealing depending on your specific conviction date and offense.

Free and low-cost legal help in LA County

Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Inner City Law Center both run criminal record clinics for income-qualifying LA residents. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) covers the San Fernando Valley. Homeboy Industries in Boyle Heights provides expungement assistance for formerly incarcerated clients. The LA County Public Defender's Reentry Services Division offers post-conviction relief for former clients.

Statutes cited

California Penal Code § 1203.4 (Expungement after probation completion) — Cal. Pen. Code § 1203.4
California Penal Code § 1203.425 (AB 1076 automatic relief) — Cal. Pen. Code § 1203.425

Frequently asked questions

Which courthouse do I file at in LA County?

You file at the branch courthouse that handled your original case. Check your original case documents or search your case number on lacourt.org to find the correct branch. Filing at the wrong branch will delay your petition.

How long does PC 1203.4 expungement take in LA?

Typically 3 to 5 months for an uncontested petition in LA Superior Court. The LA DA's office is generally efficient but reviews every petition. Complex cases or DA objections can take longer.

Can I expunge a felony in Los Angeles?

Felony convictions served on formal probation (rather than state prison) may qualify for PC 1203.4 dismissal if probation was completed successfully. Post-prison felonies may qualify for SB 731 automatic sealing after 4 crime-free years.

What if the AB 1076 automatic process missed my case?

File a petition for PC 1203.4 expungement in the appropriate LA Superior Court branch. An attorney can confirm eligibility and file the petition efficiently.

Find an expungement attorney in California

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