A past arrest or conviction can follow you for years, showing up on background checks, complicating job opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, and even peace of mind. If you’re ready to move forward, an expungement attorney in Manhattan Beach can help you pursue the right form of California record relief and handle the paperwork, deadlines, and court process the right way.
At Okabe & Haushalter, we help clients throughout Manhattan Beach and Los Angeles County take practical steps toward clearing up old cases, whether that means a dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4, sealing an arrest record, or exploring other post-conviction options.
Many people use the word “expungement” to mean a record is erased forever. In California, the most common form of “expungement” is typically a dismissal, not a complete wipe of the record.
A dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4 generally allows eligible people to withdraw a plea (guilty/no contest), enter a not-guilty plea, and have the case dismissed, often improving how the case appears on background checks. But it does not seal the court record like a “true” expungement.
That’s why it matters to talk to an attorney who can help you identify which type of relief fits your history, because in California, “cleaning your record” can mean different legal paths depending on your situation.
Clearing your record can be about more than paperwork, it can be about opportunity:
This is the classic “expungement” people talk about in California. Eligibility often relates to probation completion and other case factors. It’s a powerful tool, but not every case qualifies, and it isn’t the same as sealing.
If you were arrested but not convicted, you may be able to petition the court to seal arrest-related records under Penal Code § 851.91.
A major reason people get stuck is assuming the wrong solution. California courts and public resources are clear that dismissal under PC 1203.4 is not the same as sealing a record.
(There may be other forms of post-conviction relief depending on your history, your best next step is a case-specific review.)
Even smart, organized people can lose time (or get denied) because of:
When the goal is to improve your future, you don’t want a preventable mistake to slow you down.
At Okabe & Haushalter, we don’t treat record relief like a “forms-only” project. We approach it like a legal strategy problem: understand your history, identify the best option(s), and present the strongest petition possible.
Our team is based in Manhattan Beach and represents clients across Los Angeles County, with a focus on high-stakes matters and serious legal advocacy.
While every case is different, record relief often follows a general path:
Expungement (PC 1203.4 dismissal) may help show your case as dismissed, but it’s not a sealed file and is not always a total “disappearing act.”
Arrest sealing (PC 851.91) is designed for arrests that did not result in conviction, and can be a better fit in those situations.
If you’re not sure which you need, that’s normal, most people aren’t. The important part is not guessing.
We assist clients throughout Manhattan Beach and nearby South Bay communities, including Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Hawthorne, and surrounding areas (as well as broader Los Angeles County). If your case happened elsewhere, we can still review your options and point you in the right direction.
In many situations, California does not offer a “true expungement” that fully erases a conviction record. The most common remedy is a dismissal under PC 1203.4, which is different from sealing.
Often, it can still appear, but it may show as dismissed. This is one reason it can be beneficial for employment and other screening situations.
You may be able to petition to seal arrest records under Penal Code § 851.91 if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Timelines vary based on the court, the type of relief, and whether a hearing is needed. Some matters move quickly; others take longer depending on docket load and paperwork requirements.
You can file on your own in some cases, but mistakes can lead to delays or denials. An attorney helps you choose the correct path (dismissal vs sealing vs other options) and present a strong petition.
It can help, but licensing agencies may still have access in certain contexts. It’s important to discuss your specific career/licensing goals before choosing your strategy.
If you’re serious about moving forward, don’t leave your record relief to trial-and-error. We’ll help you understand your options, eligibility, and the most efficient path for your circumstances.
Okabe & Haushalter
Phone:(310) 543-7708
Manhattan Beach, California Office: 1230 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 300, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Call for a free consultation today!
