Can I Expunge a Misdemeanor in Redwood City, CA?

November 6, 2026 | Nafiz M. Ahmed

Yes, many misdemeanor convictions can be expunged in Redwood City, California. Expungement allows eligible individuals to obtain a dismissal of their conviction after completing the required conditions, potentially reducing barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

However, not every misdemeanor qualifies, and expungement does not completely erase a criminal record. California law establishes specific eligibility requirements, procedures, and limitations that determine whether a conviction can be dismissed.

What Are the Requirements for Misdemeanor Expungement?

Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who received probation for a misdemeanor conviction may qualify for expungement after successfully completing probation and satisfying other legal requirements.

Common eligibility requirements include:

• Completing probation: The individual must have fulfilled the conditions of probation or obtained early termination.
• Avoiding new criminal proceedings: The individual generally cannot be serving a sentence, be on probation, or face pending charges for another criminal offense.
• Meeting conviction requirements: The offense must qualify for dismissal under California law.

Individuals who were convicted of misdemeanors without receiving probation may qualify for relief under Penal Code § 1203.4a. California also provides automatic conviction relief for certain eligible offenses under Penal Code § 1203.425.

What Misdemeanor Convictions Cannot Be Expunged?

Some misdemeanor convictions are excluded from expungement under California law. Penal Code § 1203.4 identifies certain offenses that are ineligible for relief, including specified sex offenses involving minors.

Other circumstances may prevent or delay expungement, such as incomplete probation requirements or pending criminal charges. Eligibility depends on the exact offense, sentence, and applicable statutory provisions. Individuals who do not qualify for traditional expungement may still have other forms of record relief available.

How Do You Expunge a Misdemeanor in Redwood City?

To expunge a misdemeanor in Redwood City, you typically file a petition for dismissal with the San Mateo County Superior Court. 

The process involves several steps:

1. Review your criminal record: Confirm the conviction, sentence, probation status, and eligibility for relief.
2. Complete the required forms: Prepare Judicial Council Form CR-180, Petition for Dismissal, with the appropriate case information.
3. File the petition: Submit the paperwork to the court that handled the conviction and follow applicable notice requirements.
4. Wait for the court’s decision: A judge reviews the petition and may schedule a hearing before granting or denying relief.

The San Mateo County Law Library provides guidance on obtaining court records and preparing expungement paperwork.

How Long Does Misdemeanor Expungement Take?

Misdemeanor expungement in California often takes several weeks to a few months after filing a petition. The exact timeline depends on court workload, the completeness of the paperwork, whether prosecutors object, and whether a hearing is necessary.

Some petitions may be resolved without a court appearance, while others require additional review. Individuals who have not yet completed probation may need to obtain early termination before qualifying for dismissal. Automatic record relief may already apply to certain convictions, making a separate petition unnecessary in some circumstances.

What Happens After a Misdemeanor Is Expunged?

When a California court grants misdemeanor expungement, the conviction is set aside, and the case is dismissed. This can reduce employment-related barriers and allow individuals to answer certain questions about past convictions differently, subject to applicable disclosure requirements.

However, expungement does not erase or seal the criminal record. The conviction may remain visible to law enforcement and certain government agencies, and it can still count as a prior conviction for some future criminal offenses. Expungement also does not automatically restore firearm rights or eliminate every professional licensing consequence.

Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, for a Confidential Consultation With a Redwood Criminal Defense Lawyer

Expunging an eligible misdemeanor can help reduce the lasting impact of a criminal conviction, but the process requires meeting California’s legal requirements and submitting the appropriate paperwork. Determining eligibility before filing can help avoid unnecessary delays.

If you want to expunge a misdemeanor conviction in California, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a confidential consultation with a Redwood City criminal defense attorney.

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500