what should I expect for attorney fees to have something expunged in california?

Question

unlike the first answer... I am asking what to expect for attorney fees. I am not asking how to do this. I want an attorney to do it.

Answer 1

According to collegues I have consulted, you could be charged anywhere from $500 to $1,000. But if you are entitled to relief (that is you fulfilled the conditions of probation for the entire term), then it would make a lot more sense for you to do it yourself.

Here is the form, check it out:
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/documents/cr180.pdf

Note that "expungement" in California does not mean that the conviction is completely off your record. The conviction, and the relief under Penal Code section 1203.4, will both be there. My advise to people is to report the conviction, but say that it was thereafter dismissed under section 1203.4.

ADD: If you are still looking at these answers, it appears that in a couple of California counties it might be a good idea to have a lawyer even for a simple 1203.4 petition. Could you specify the county at issue?

Answer 2

I think you can do it yourself if you get a form from the Department of Justice. I forget the form number. There would be a couple of hundred dollars of filing fees. Call them first.