Penal Code 1203.4 is the California expungement statute. After you complete probation, it allows you to petition the court to withdraw the plea or set aside the conviction and dismiss the case, which releases you from many of the ongoing consequences of a DUI.
Who is eligible
To qualify under 1203.4, you generally must have completed probation successfully, not be currently charged with or serving a sentence for another offense, and have paid your fines. Most misdemeanor DUI convictions are eligible. If probation did not go smoothly, the court has discretion, and a strong petition matters.
What it does and does not do
An expungement lets you state, in most situations such as private employment, that you were not convicted. It is valuable for jobs and many licenses. It does not erase the DUI for DMV priorable purposes, it does not restore firearm rights on its own, and the conviction can still be used as a prior if you are charged with a new DUI within ten years.
Why it is worth doing
For most people, clearing the conviction removes a real obstacle to employment and peace of mind. The petition is worth preparing carefully, especially where probation had any issues.
Where to start
If you have completed probation, you may be eligible to clear your DUI now. Use the free written case analysis below or call me directly. See also the expungement eligibility calculator and expunging a DUI conviction.