Workflow for Criminal Record Expungement in Sonoma County

Step 1: Go to Court Clerk’s office, get a copy of your criminal record.

Step 2: Go down to the Public Defender’s Office and request an expungement packet.

Step 3: Fill out packet and return it to the front desk.

Step 4: Once packet is returned to Public Defender’s office, you will be placed on a 6 month waiting list.

Step 5: Law Clerk/Attorney will research your criminal record to see what charges are eligible for expungement or reduction. Lawyers may request a letter from you at this stage, asking about how you’ve changed your life since your convictions, or ways you’re trying to change, and why expungement is important to you.

Step 6: Lawyers submit expungement packet to Sonoma County Judge who will handle your case.

Step 7: Judge provides lawyers with a court date. You do not need to appear in court before this date.

Step 8: On the date of your hearing, you will appear in court with Public Defender attorneys and the judge will rule on the paperwork submitted. Judge may ask you some questions.

Per the Public Defender’s office, these packets are “seldom denied”, age of conviction is a factor, and some charges may be reducible but not eligible for expungement.