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Criminal Defense » Expungements
A past conviction does not have to define the rest of your life. At DiSalvo Law, we help people in Fresno and throughout California’s Central Valley clean up their criminal records through expungements and related post-conviction relief. We evaluate your eligibility under California law, prepare the necessary petitions and supporting documents, and appear in court to fight for a second chance on your behalf.
In California, an expungement—often filed under Penal Code section 1203.4—is a way to ask the court to dismiss a qualifying conviction after you have successfully completed probation or a jail sentence. An expungement does not erase the past, but it can change how employers, landlords, and others are allowed to consider your record.
Whether you pled guilty, no contest, or were found guilty at trial, you may be eligible for relief if you meet certain criteria. At DiSalvo Law, we carefully review your case history, advising you honestly about what type of record relief is available and what an expungement can—and cannot—do for you.
Eligibility for expungement depends on your specific case, but you may qualify if:
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, it is worth having an attorney review your record. Other forms of relief—such as reduction of a felony to a misdemeanor or early termination of probation—may also be available and can improve your chances of obtaining an expungement.
An expungement can provide important practical and psychological benefits, including:
However, expungement has limits. It does not automatically restore firearm rights, remove certain driver’s license consequences, or erase the conviction from law enforcement databases. We will clearly explain what relief an expungement offers in your specific situation.
Although expungements are not subject to the same short deadlines as appeals, timing still matters. You generally must complete probation or your jail term before the court will consider relief, and you must not be facing new charges. In some cases, it may make sense to seek early termination of probation so that you can move forward with clearing your record sooner.
If you are unsure when you become eligible, we can review your sentencing orders, probation terms, and any subsequent violations to determine the most strategic time to file.
We take a thorough, step-by-step approach to record clearing:
• Review your criminal history and sentencing documents
• Identify which convictions qualify for expungement or reduction
• Advise you about the likely benefits and limitations of relief
• Prepare and file detailed petitions and supporting declarations
• Communicate with the prosecutor and probation, when appropriate
• Appear in court to argue for the relief you deserve
Our goal is to present you to the court as more than just a case number—with a clear record of compliance, rehabilitation, and reasons why relief is in the interests of justice.
Attorney Mario DiSalvo has spent nearly three decades defending people accused of crimes and helping them rebuild their lives afterward. His experience with felony and misdemeanor cases across the Central Valley gives him a deep understanding of how convictions impact employment, family, and immigration status—and how post-conviction relief can ease those burdens.
We assist with expungement and record-clearing petitions for convictions originating in trial courts across Fresno and the Central Valley, including:
We want to know about your case. Fill out the information below to receive a response within 24 hours.
DiSalvo Law
5151 N Palm Ave
Suite 100
Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 442-1552
Disclaimer: Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. The information you provide is used solely to review your inquiry, perform conflict checks, and respond to your request. We do not sell or share your information. Representation is only established after a signed agreement.
What is an expungement in California?
An expungement is a court order that allows a qualifying conviction to be dismissed after you complete probation or a jail term. The case remains part of your history, but the record is updated to show that the conviction was dismissed.
Will an expungement erase my record completely?
No. Law enforcement, courts, and some licensing agencies will still see the conviction. However, an expungement can improve how most private employers and others are allowed to treat that conviction.
Am I automatically eligible once probation ends?
Not always. The court will consider factors such as the type of offense, whether you violated probation, and whether you are facing any new charges. An attorney can help present your compliance and rehabilitation in the best light.
Can felonies be expunged?
Many felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged, but some serious offenses are excluded. We will review your specific conviction and sentencing documents to determine what options you have.
Do I need a lawyer for an expungement?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, having experienced counsel can increase the quality of your petition, improve how your case is presented, and help you avoid mistakes that could delay or prevent relief.
If you or a loved one is ready to move forward from a past conviction, do not wait to learn about your options. Contact DiSalvo Law today for a confidential consultation about expungement and other record-clearing relief. We will review your case, explain what relief may be available, and provide straightforward guidance about the next steps.
