About this case study. The matter described is a representative example. Specific facts, amounts, dates, and identifying details have been modified to protect client confidentiality consistent with California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6. Every case is different and is decided on its own facts. The outcome in any particular matter depends on specific circumstances, applicable law, the conduct of opposing parties, and other variables that cannot be predicted in advance. No representation is made that the firm will achieve the same or similar results in your case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
A 28-year-old professional was denied a promotion at a healthcare technology company after a background check revealed a felony drug possession conviction from seven years earlier. The conviction - for possession of a controlled substance under Health & Safety Code 11350 - had occurred during college.
He had completed three years of probation, paid all fines, and had no subsequent legal issues. But the felony remained on his record, blocking career advancement and creating anxiety every time an employer ran a background check.
While the conviction was eligible for reduction under Proposition 47 (from felony to misdemeanor) and subsequent expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, the client had previously attempted a pro se filing that was rejected by the court for procedural errors - wrong form, incomplete declaration, and failure to properly serve the district attorney.
The rejected filing created an additional hurdle because the court record now showed a denied petition.
We prepared a fresh petition using a two-step approach, addressing every prior deficiency head-on.
The Proposition 47 reduction was granted without a hearing. The subsequent expungement petition was also granted on the papers. Total time from filing to final order: six weeks.
The client's record now shows "dismissed in the interest of justice." He received his promotion within three months. The total cost of our pro se document package was $350 - compared to the $3,000+ quotes he had received from other attorneys for full representation.
Procedural accuracy matters enormously in expungement petitions. A substantively strong case can fail on procedural grounds. Our document preparation service provides the legal precision of attorney involvement at a fraction of the cost of full representation - because for straightforward expungements, you do not need a lawyer in the courtroom. You need the right paperwork.
A past conviction should not define your future. If you are eligible for expungement or reduction, our document preparation service can get it done accurately - and affordably.