Practices

Strategic Legal Counsel for California Businesses and Families

01 / 10

Business Contracts

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Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts is one of the most consequential things a business does. Every agreement your business enters into allocates risk, defines obligations, and creates enforceable commitments. A poorly written contract does not just create ambiguity - it creates exposure that can take years to resolve.

The Berhe Law Firm, APC handles contract work for California businesses across industries - from initial drafting through negotiation and dispute resolution. We use AI-assisted contract analysis to identify risk clauses, inconsistencies, and missing protections faster than traditional review, while our attorneys provide the judgment that automated tools cannot.

Whether you need a comprehensive commercial agreement built from the ground up or a second set of eyes on a contract the other side prepared, we approach every engagement with the same standard: protect your interests, anticipate what can go wrong, and put it in writing correctly the first time.

Specific services

  • Contract drafting and review
  • Vendor and supplier agreements
  • Service agreements
  • NDAs and confidentiality agreements
  • Partnership and joint venture agreements
  • Commercial lease review
  • Licensing agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

Business contract attorney fees in California typically range from $250 to $600 per hour depending on the attorney's experience and the complexity of the matter. For standard contracts, many firms - including ours - offer flat-fee pricing so you know the cost upfront. A flat-fee contract review can run $500 to $2,500 depending on length and risk level, while a full drafting engagement for a complex commercial agreement may cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
Under California Civil Code sections 1549 through 1558, a valid contract requires an offer, acceptance, consideration (something of value exchanged by both parties), lawful subject matter, and parties with legal capacity to contract. Both parties must also have genuine consent - meaning the agreement cannot be induced by fraud, duress, undue influence, or material mistake. A written contract is not always legally required, but it is almost always advisable for business transactions.
Template contracts can be a reasonable starting point, but they carry real risk because they are not tailored to your specific business, industry, or California law requirements. A generic template may omit California-specific provisions required under statutes like the California Consumer Privacy Act or California Labor Code, include unenforceable clauses, or fail to address the actual risk allocation your situation demands. An attorney review of any template before you sign is almost always worth the cost.
Under California Civil Code section 3300, the non-breaching party is entitled to damages sufficient to put them in the position they would have been in had the contract been performed. This can include direct damages, consequential damages, and in some cases attorney's fees if the contract provides for it. California also allows specific performance as a remedy when money damages are inadequate - such as in real estate contracts. You generally have four years to file a breach of written contract claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 337.

02 / 10

Business Formation

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The legal structure of your business determines how you are taxed, how liability is allocated, and how disputes between owners get resolved. These decisions have long-term consequences that are difficult to undo once the business is operating. Choosing the wrong structure - or using a template operating agreement that does not reflect how your business actually works - creates problems that compound over time.

We help California entrepreneurs and existing businesses form entities that match their actual needs - not template solutions from an online filing service. The difference between a well-drafted operating agreement and a standard one is the difference between a dispute being resolved cleanly and a dispute consuming years of attorney fees.

Our AI-assisted Entity Selector tool provides an initial assessment of the right structure for your situation, and our attorneys confirm that analysis and handle every aspect of the formation process - from state filings through tax elections and governing documents.

Specific services

  • LLC formation and operating agreements
  • Corporation formation (C-Corp and S-Corp)
  • Partnership agreements
  • S-Corp tax election filings
  • Articles of Organization and Bylaws
  • Registered agent services
  • EIN applications and state registrations

Frequently Asked Questions

For most California startups, the LLC or C-Corporation is the default starting point - the right choice depends on your funding goals and tax situation. C-Corporations are generally preferred if you plan to raise venture capital or issue stock options, because investors expect that structure and it integrates cleanly with federal securities law. LLCs offer pass-through taxation and flexibility in management structure under California Corporations Code section 17701 et seq., making them ideal for small businesses and professional services firms not seeking outside investment.
The California Secretary of State charges a $70 filing fee for Articles of Organization, plus a $20 fee for a Statement of Information due within 90 days of formation and every two years thereafter. On top of the state fees, most LLCs are subject to the $800 annual franchise tax imposed by the California Franchise Tax Board under Revenue and Taxation Code section 17942. Attorney fees for a properly drafted operating agreement and formation package typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on complexity.
California imposes an $800 minimum annual franchise tax on most LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships doing business in the state, regardless of revenue or profit, under Revenue and Taxation Code sections 17942 (LLCs) and 23153 (corporations). LLCs with annual gross revenues exceeding $250,000 also pay an additional fee that scales with revenue - reaching up to $11,790 for LLCs with receipts over $5 million. The first-year franchise tax is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after formation for most entities.
Standard processing with the California Secretary of State typically takes 5 to 10 business days for online filings. Expedited service is available for an additional fee - 24-hour processing runs $350 and same-day processing runs $750 as of 2025. Formation documents also need to be prepared before filing: a basic LLC can be formed quickly, but a properly drafted operating agreement reflecting your actual ownership structure and management rules takes additional time and should not be rushed.

03 / 10

Estate Planning

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Estate planning is not just about what happens after you die. It is about protecting your family, your assets, and your intentions during your lifetime and beyond. An incapacity event without the right documents in place can trigger court proceedings that are slower, more expensive, and more disruptive than most families expect.

California's probate system is among the most expensive in the country. Statutory attorney fees alone can equal 4% to 7% of your gross estate value - before any estate taxes or administrative costs. A properly structured estate plan centered on a revocable living trust is the single most effective way to protect your family from that process.

We design estate plans that reflect how your family is actually structured, what your assets actually are, and what you actually want to happen - not off-the-shelf documents that leave critical decisions unaddressed. Our Estate Readiness tool provides an initial assessment of where your plan stands today.

Specific services

  • Revocable living trusts
  • Last wills and testaments
  • Advance healthcare directives
  • Durable powers of attorney
  • Special needs trusts
  • Trust amendments and restatements
  • Pour-over wills

Frequently Asked Questions

Most California residents with real property or meaningful assets benefit from both - a revocable living trust as the primary vehicle and a pour-over will as a backstop. A will alone requires probate, which in California can take 12 to 24 months and cost 4% to 7% of the gross estate in statutory attorney and executor fees under Probate Code section 10810. A properly funded revocable living trust passes assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, preserving privacy and saving significant time and cost.
A comprehensive estate plan in California - including a revocable living trust, pour-over will, advance healthcare directive, and durable power of attorney - typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000 for an individual or couple depending on the complexity of your assets and family situation. This is a one-time cost compared to the expense of probate, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a modest estate. Many attorneys offer flat-fee estate planning packages so you know the total cost before signing an engagement.
Dying without a will in California means your estate passes under the state's intestate succession laws set out in Probate Code sections 21400 through 21406 and 6400 et seq. California is a community property state, so your surviving spouse or registered domestic partner generally inherits your community property. Separate property follows a hierarchy of spouse, children, parents, siblings, and more distant relatives. The distribution may not match your actual wishes, and all assets passing through intestate succession are subject to the full probate process.
You should review your estate plan after any major life event - marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a significant change in assets, the death of a beneficiary or named trustee, or a move to or from California. As a baseline, a review every three to five years is good practice. In California specifically, changes in community property ownership, real estate acquisitions, or business interests can affect how your trust should be structured and whether beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance are still aligned with your overall plan.

04 / 10

Trust Administration

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When a loved one passes and you are named as successor trustee, the administrative obligations begin immediately. Trust administration involves marshaling assets, providing statutory notices, managing tax obligations, and distributing assets according to the trust's terms - all while navigating fiduciary duties that carry personal liability if performed incorrectly.

Most successor trustees are not attorneys. They are spouses, adult children, or close friends who are grieving and simultaneously responsible for a complex legal process they have never navigated before. The consequences of missteps - missed creditor claims, improper distributions, inadequate accounting - can expose the trustee personally.

We guide successor trustees through every step of the administration process, from the initial 60-day notice obligations through final distribution. We handle the legal complexity so trustees can focus on their families. Our flat-fee trust administration engagements provide clarity on cost from the outset.

Specific services

  • Trustee notification and compliance
  • Asset identification and valuation
  • Creditor claims management
  • Trust accounting
  • Tax return coordination
  • Beneficiary distributions
  • Trust modification and termination

Frequently Asked Questions

Under the California Probate Code, a successor trustee owes fiduciary duties including loyalty, impartiality, and prudent administration of trust assets. Specific obligations include providing notice to all beneficiaries and heirs within 60 days of the settlor's death under Probate Code section 16061.7, preparing a trust accounting, managing and investing trust assets prudently, paying valid creditor claims, and ultimately distributing assets in accordance with the trust's terms. Breach of these duties can expose the trustee to personal liability.
A straightforward trust administration in California typically takes 6 to 12 months from the date of the settlor's death. The timeline is driven in part by mandatory waiting periods - the 120-day creditor claim period under Probate Code section 19100 cannot be waived, and tax-related timelines including the filing of the decedent's final income tax return and any estate tax returns add additional time. Complex estates with business interests, real property, or disputes among beneficiaries can take 18 months or longer.
California law does not require a successor trustee to hire an attorney, but the fiduciary duties involved are complex and the consequences of missteps are personal. Errors in notice procedures, accounting, or distribution can expose a trustee to surcharge claims by beneficiaries - meaning the trustee can be held personally liable for the loss. Most successor trustees are not trained in trust law, and even experienced professionals often retain counsel to ensure compliance with California Probate Code requirements throughout the administration.
Probate is a court-supervised process required to transfer assets held in a deceased person's name alone without a trust - in California, estates valued over $184,500 (as of 2025 under Probate Code section 13100) generally must go through probate. Trust administration is a private process that occurs outside of court, governed by the terms of the trust document itself. Trust administration is typically faster, less expensive, and entirely private, which is why many California estate planning attorneys recommend a revocable living trust as the centerpiece of a plan.

05 / 10

Personal Injury

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If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, the legal system exists to make you whole. Compensation in a personal injury case can cover medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and the pain and suffering that comes with serious injury. The challenge is building a case that captures the full scope of your damages before the statute of limitations closes.

The Berhe Law Firm, APC handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing in attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Case costs and expenses may apply separately. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no retainers required. We advance all costs of litigation and only collect when you do.

Our AI-augmented case evaluation system provides faster, more thorough assessment of claim value - analyzing comparable verdicts, settlement ranges, and liability factors before we even sit down for a consultation. This means we can give you a more informed picture of your case from day one.

Specific services

  • Auto accidents
  • Slip and fall / premises liability
  • Motorcycle and bicycle accidents
  • Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft)
  • Dog bites
  • Wrongful death
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims

Frequently Asked Questions

In California, the standard statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. There are important exceptions: claims against a government entity require a government tort claim to be filed within six months of the incident under Government Code section 911.2. Claims involving minors, delayed discovery of injuries, or defendants who leave the state may toll the limitations period. Missing the deadline almost always bars your claim permanently, so prompt consultation with an attorney is critical.
Personal injury damages in California fall into two broad categories: economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, loss of earning capacity) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, the available insurance coverage, and whether your injuries are supported by medical documentation. California does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) cases involving medical malpractice are subject to a $350,000 cap on non-economic damages as of 2023.
No. Personal injury attorneys in California - including The Berhe Law Firm - work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contingency fees are typically 33% of the recovery before litigation and 40% if the case goes to trial, though these percentages vary by firm and are subject to California Rules of Professional Conduct rule 1.5. The firm also advances litigation costs - such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical records costs - which are reimbursed from any recovery.
Seek medical attention first - even if you feel uninjured, some injuries including whiplash and traumatic brain injury may not present symptoms immediately. Call 911 and obtain a police report. Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, insurance information, and contact details, as well as contact information for witnesses. Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene, and do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Report the accident to the California DMV within 10 days if there were injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000, as required under Vehicle Code section 16000.

06 / 10

General Counsel

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Many businesses need ongoing legal guidance but are not ready for - or cannot justify the cost of - a full-time in-house attorney. Important contracts go unsigned for weeks while the team waits for outside counsel to respond. Compliance questions accumulate. Legal risk accretes quietly until it becomes expensive.

Our outside general counsel services give you a trusted legal advisor who knows your business, reviews the things that matter, and is available when decisions carry real legal consequences. Think of it as an in-house legal department at a fraction of the cost - with the institutional knowledge of an attorney who has been briefed on your operations, your contracts, and your risk profile.

Our AI-augmented model means routine contract review is faster and lower cost. Clients on general counsel retainers receive priority scheduling, faster turnaround on routine matters, and flat-fee pricing that makes legal costs predictable and budgetable from month to month.

Specific services

  • Ongoing legal advisory
  • Contract review pipeline
  • Employment compliance guidance
  • Regulatory monitoring
  • Risk assessment
  • Vendor and partner due diligence
  • Board and governance support

Frequently Asked Questions

A fractional general counsel - also called outside general counsel - serves as your company's primary legal advisor on a part-time or retainer basis rather than as a full-time employee. They review and negotiate contracts, advise on regulatory compliance, manage relationships with specialized outside counsel, and provide strategic guidance on legal risk. The key difference from traditional outside counsel is institutional knowledge: a fractional GC learns your business, your contracts, and your risk profile over time rather than approaching each matter cold.
Outside general counsel retainers in California typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month depending on the volume of legal work and the scope of services. This is significantly less than the cost of a full-time in-house attorney, whose total compensation in California often exceeds $200,000 per year when salary, benefits, and overhead are included. Many firms offer tiered retainer structures so you can scale legal support as your business grows without committing to a full-time hire.
Most businesses benefit from general counsel services when they reach a point of regular contract volume, regulatory exposure, or employment complexity that makes ad hoc legal consultations inefficient. Common inflection points include hiring employees (which triggers California's extensive labor law requirements), signing long-term commercial contracts, taking on outside investment, or entering into licensing or distribution agreements. A business that is spending more than $2,000 per month on reactive legal fees is often a good candidate for a proactive retainer arrangement.
In-house counsel is a full-time employee of the company - embedded in daily operations, attending meetings, and available on demand. Outside general counsel provides many of the same advisory functions on a retainer or part-time basis without the fixed overhead of an employee. Both are subject to the same attorney-client privilege protections under Evidence Code section 952. The practical difference is cost and availability: in-house counsel is always there but expensive; outside GC is available on demand at a fraction of the annual cost, with the trade-off of competing client demands.

07 / 10

Business Litigation

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Business disputes are rarely just about the law. They are about leverage, timing, and the cost of delay. A contract dispute that sits unresolved for months can cripple cash flow, poison business relationships, and force decisions that no company should have to make under pressure. The firms that handle business litigation effectively are the ones that move with both precision and speed.

The Berhe Law Firm, APC represents California businesses in commercial disputes from demand letter through trial. We use AI-assisted case analysis to evaluate claims faster, identify leverage points earlier, and build litigation strategy around data rather than intuition. That means earlier case assessments, tighter cost projections, and realistic settlement evaluations that save our clients from open-ended litigation spend.

Whether you are the plaintiff enforcing your rights or the defendant protecting your business, we approach every dispute with the same objective: resolve the matter on terms that serve your business interests, in the least amount of time, at the lowest defensible cost.

Specific services

  • Breach of contract claims and defense
  • Partnership and shareholder disputes
  • Fraud and misrepresentation claims
  • Unfair business practices (Bus. & Prof. Code 17200)
  • Trade secret misappropriation
  • Commercial collections and judgment enforcement
  • Alternative dispute resolution and mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

Business litigation costs in California vary widely based on the complexity of the dispute, the amount at stake, and how far the case progresses. Simple contract disputes resolved through early negotiation or mediation may cost $5,000 to $25,000 in attorney fees. Cases that go through full discovery and trial preparation can run $50,000 to $200,000 or more. Hourly rates for business litigation attorneys in California typically range from $300 to $700 per hour. We provide detailed cost estimates and budget projections before engaging so our clients can make informed decisions about whether to pursue or settle a claim.
California imposes different deadlines depending on the type of claim. Breach of a written contract must be filed within four years under Code of Civil Procedure section 337. Breach of an oral contract has a two-year deadline under section 339. Fraud claims generally carry a three-year statute under section 338(d), running from the date the fraud was discovered or should have been discovered. Unfair business practices claims under Business and Professions Code section 17200 have a four-year limitation. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim regardless of its merits.
The decision depends on the strength of your legal position, the amount at stake, the cost of litigation versus settlement, and the business relationship involved. California courts strongly encourage settlement and require parties to participate in mediation or other ADR processes in many cases. Statistically, over 95% of civil cases in California settle before trial. We evaluate each dispute on its merits and economics - sometimes the best strategy is aggressive early litigation to establish leverage, and sometimes it is a well-positioned demand letter that resolves the matter in weeks rather than years.
California follows the "American Rule" - each side pays its own attorney fees unless a statute or contract provides otherwise. This makes the attorney fees clause in your contracts critically important. If your contract includes a prevailing party attorney fees provision, the winning party can recover reasonable fees from the losing party under Civil Code section 1717. Certain statutory claims also allow fee recovery, including actions under Business and Professions Code section 17200 and Consumer Legal Remedies Act claims. We evaluate fee-shifting potential at the outset of every litigation matter.

08 / 10

Civil Litigation

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Not every legal dispute fits neatly into a single category. Civil litigation encompasses the full spectrum of non-criminal disputes between parties - from property disputes and breach of fiduciary duty claims to neighbor conflicts, fraud, and declaratory relief actions. These cases demand the same level of strategic rigor and preparation as any complex commercial matter.

The Berhe Law Firm, APC handles civil litigation matters in California Superior Courts across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Our approach combines traditional litigation skill with AI-powered legal research and case analysis tools that accelerate the discovery process, surface relevant precedent faster, and strengthen our ability to anticipate opposing arguments before they are made.

Whether you are seeking damages, defending against a lawsuit, or need a court to clarify your legal rights through a declaratory judgment, we handle each matter with the same disciplined approach: thorough preparation, honest case assessment, and aggressive execution when the facts support it.

Specific services

  • General civil litigation and trial practice
  • Real property disputes
  • Breach of fiduciary duty claims
  • Declaratory and injunctive relief
  • Enforcement of judgments
  • Appeals and writs
  • Demand letters and pre-litigation negotiation

Frequently Asked Questions

A civil lawsuit is any non-criminal legal action where one party (the plaintiff) seeks a remedy from another party (the defendant) - typically money damages, injunctive relief, or a declaratory judgment. In California, civil cases are filed in Superior Court and governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure. Common examples include breach of contract, property disputes, personal injury, fraud, and disputes over rights or obligations. If the amount in controversy is $10,000 or less, the case may be heard in Small Claims Court; amounts up to $25,000 may qualify for Limited Civil jurisdiction.
The timeline for a California civil lawsuit varies significantly based on complexity, court calendar, and whether the parties settle. A straightforward case resolved through early settlement can conclude in 3 to 6 months. Cases that proceed through full discovery typically take 12 to 18 months to reach trial. Complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multiple parties can take 2 to 4 years. California law requires courts to bring cases to trial within five years of filing under Code of Civil Procedure section 583.310, but most courts work to resolve cases much sooner.
Criminal cases are brought by the government (through the District Attorney or Attorney General) and involve violations of criminal statutes that can result in imprisonment, fines, or probation. The burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt." Civil cases are disputes between private parties (individuals or businesses) seeking money damages or equitable relief, with a lower burden of proof - "preponderance of the evidence" - meaning it is more likely than not that the claim is true. The same set of facts can sometimes give rise to both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. For example, fraud can be prosecuted criminally and also pursued as a civil claim for damages.
California allows individuals and businesses to represent themselves (pro se) in civil matters, and in Small Claims Court, attorneys are generally not permitted to represent parties at hearing. However, for cases in Limited or Unlimited Civil jurisdictions, legal representation is strongly advisable. Civil procedure rules are complex, discovery deadlines are strict, and procedural missteps can result in sanctions or dismissal regardless of the merits of your case. Corporations and LLCs must be represented by an attorney in California courts and cannot appear pro se under the law.

09 / 10

Intellectual Property

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Your ideas, brand identity, creative works, and proprietary processes are often the most valuable assets your business owns - and the most vulnerable. Intellectual property that is not properly protected is intellectual property that anyone can use, copy, or claim as their own. In a state that produces more patents, trademarks, and copyrighted works than nearly any other, the cost of inaction is real and measurable.

The Berhe Law Firm, APC helps California businesses and creators protect, register, and enforce their intellectual property rights. From federal trademark registration and copyright filing to trade secret protection under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act, we handle the full lifecycle of IP protection - not just the application, but the ongoing monitoring and enforcement that keeps your rights meaningful.

For businesses building technology, content, or brands, we also draft and review IP-related agreements - assignment clauses, licensing deals, non-compete provisions (where enforceable), and work-for-hire agreements - to ensure your company owns what it pays to create.

Specific services

  • Federal trademark registration and prosecution
  • Copyright registration and enforcement
  • Trade secret protection and CUTSA claims
  • IP licensing agreements
  • Work-for-hire and IP assignment agreements
  • Cease and desist letters for IP infringement
  • DMCA takedown notices

Frequently Asked Questions

Trademarks protect brand identifiers - names, logos, slogans, and other marks that distinguish your goods or services in the marketplace. Copyrights protect original creative works - written content, software code, visual art, music, and other expressions of ideas. Patents protect inventions and novel processes - they grant a limited monopoly on making, using, or selling a specific invention. Each type of intellectual property has different registration requirements, durations, and enforcement mechanisms. Trademarks can last indefinitely with continued use and renewal; copyrights last the author's lifetime plus 70 years; utility patents last 20 years from filing.
A California state trademark registration filed with the Secretary of State costs $70 per class of goods or services. However, most businesses benefit from federal registration through the USPTO, which provides nationwide protection. USPTO filing fees range from $250 to $350 per class depending on the filing basis. Attorney fees for a comprehensive trademark search, application preparation, and prosecution through registration typically run $1,500 to $3,500. The entire federal registration process usually takes 8 to 12 months if no oppositions are filed.
The first step is to document the infringement thoroughly - screenshots, URLs, dates, and any evidence of the unauthorized use. The next step depends on the type of IP and the nature of the infringement. For online copyright infringement, a DMCA takedown notice can often resolve the issue quickly. For trademark infringement, a cease and desist letter is typically the first formal step. If the infringer does not comply, you may need to file a lawsuit in federal court for trademark or copyright infringement, or in state court for trade secret misappropriation under California's Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Civil Code sections 3426 through 3426.11). Acting quickly is important because delays can affect your ability to obtain injunctive relief.
If your business has proprietary information - customer lists, pricing strategies, formulas, algorithms, processes, or other confidential business information - then yes, a trade secret policy is essential. Under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act, a trade secret must be (1) information that derives independent economic value from not being generally known, and (2) subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. Without a formal policy, NDA requirements, and access controls, you may lose the ability to enforce trade secret rights in court because you cannot demonstrate the "reasonable efforts" element. This is one of the most common and most preventable failures in trade secret litigation.

10 / 10

Criminal Law & Expungement

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A criminal record should not define your future. California Penal Code 1203.4 allows individuals who have completed probation to petition the court to dismiss their conviction - changing the record from "convicted" to "dismissed." For most private employment applications, you can then legally state you have not been convicted of a crime.

The Berhe Law Firm offers two flat-fee expungement paths: a $250 pro se document package where we prepare your court-ready petition and you file it yourself, and a $650 full-service filing package where we also handle court filing and DA correspondence. Both options include attorney-supervised document preparation. Most cases are decided on the paperwork alone.

Beyond expungement, we assist with felony reduction to misdemeanor under PC 17(b), early termination of probation, Prop 47 reclassification, and Prop 64 marijuana conviction relief. Every case begins with a structured eligibility assessment through Harlan Intelligence™ to determine your options before any fees are charged.

Specific services

  • Misdemeanor expungement (PC 1203.4) - from $250
  • Felony reduction to misdemeanor (PC 17(b))
  • Early termination of probation (PC 1203.3)
  • Certificate of Rehabilitation
  • Record sealing for arrests (PC 851.91)
  • Prop 47 reclassification petitions
  • Prop 64 marijuana conviction relief

Frequently Asked Questions

Expungement under PC 1203.4 allows a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor (or certain felonies) to petition the court to reopen the case, withdraw their guilty or no contest plea, and have the case dismissed. It does not erase the conviction from your record, but it changes the disposition to "dismissed." After expungement, you can legally state on most private employment applications that you have not been convicted of a crime. However, you must still disclose the conviction when applying for government positions, professional licenses, or when asked by law enforcement.
To qualify for mandatory expungement under PC 1203.4, you must meet all of the following: (1) you have completed probation - either served the full term or received early termination; (2) you are not currently serving a sentence for any offense, on probation for any offense, or charged with any crime; (3) all court-ordered fines have been paid (note: as of 2023, unpaid victim restitution alone cannot be used to deny expungement); and (4) your conviction is not for a sex offense requiring registration under PC 290 or certain offenses against children. If you did not fully complete probation, the court still has discretion to grant expungement "in the interests of justice."
The expungement process typically takes 3 to 5 months from filing to court decision, depending on the county and court calendar. Most petitions are decided on the paperwork alone without a hearing. The judge reviews the petition, the District Attorney may file an objection or no response, and the court issues its order. If a hearing is required, we attend on your behalf.
The Berhe Law Firm offers misdemeanor expungement for a flat fee of $650. This covers eligibility review, petition preparation, court filing, and all correspondence with the District Attorney's office. There are no hidden fees and no hourly billing. Payment is collected only after your documents are prepared - never before work begins. Court filing fees, if applicable, are separate and vary by county.

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Harlan, our AI intake assistant, is available around the clock to gather your information and prepare your matter for attorney review. No retainer required to start.

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