Having a criminal record in Santa Barbara can feel like a life sentence—but you have options to clear your record and move forward. Whether you’re dealing with misdemeanor or felony convictions on your record preventing employment opportunities, arrests that never resulted in convictions but still appear on background checks, probation violations or failures to complete probation, juvenile records following you into adulthood, seeking early termination of probation to clear your record sooner, needing felony reductions to misdemeanors under PC 17(b), pursuing Certificates of Rehabilitation to restore rights, or trying to seal arrest records under new California laws, understanding your options for record clearing is the first step toward reclaiming your future and moving past mistakes in Santa Barbara.
At Central Coast Criminal Defense, we’ve helped Santa Barbara residents clear criminal records and restore their lives since 2010. We know the Santa Barbara County courts, the expungement process, and—most importantly—we know how to fight for results that protect what matters most: your employment opportunities, your professional licenses, your housing applications, and your ability to move forward without criminal records destroying your future in Santa Barbara’s competitive job market.
What Is Expungement in California?
Expungement under California Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows individuals who have completed probation (or jail time if no probation was granted) to withdraw their guilty or no contest pleas, have the cases dismissed, and be released from penalties and disabilities resulting from the convictions. While California law uses the term “dismissal” rather than “expungement,” the practical effect is that once your case is dismissed under PC 1203.4, you can legally state in most situations that you were not convicted of the crime—employers conducting background checks will see the conviction was dismissed, and you’re generally not required to disclose expunged convictions on job applications except for certain government positions, professional licenses, or when seeking public office. Expungement doesn’t completely erase convictions—they can still be used to enhance penalties in future criminal cases, appear in some law enforcement databases, and must be disclosed when applying for certain professional licenses or government jobs—but expungement provides substantial relief by allowing you to honestly state you weren’t convicted, improving employment prospects dramatically, and releasing you from most legal disabilities resulting from convictions. Most misdemeanor and felony convictions are eligible for expungement if you successfully completed probation (or jail if no probation granted), paid all fines and restitution, aren’t currently charged with new offenses, and aren’t serving sentences for other crimes. Additionally, California now offers relief through arrest record sealing under PC 851.8 for arrests that didn’t result in convictions, and juvenile record sealing under Welfare & Institutions Code 781 for offenses committed as minors.
In Santa Barbara and throughout Santa Barbara County, expungement petitions are filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court where the original convictions occurred, with judges evaluating whether petitioners successfully completed all requirements including probation, jail time, fines, restitution, community service, classes, and whether granting expungement serves the interests of justice. Common convictions that Santa Barbara residents seek to expunge include DUI convictions preventing employment as drivers in tourism and hospitality industries, drug possession convictions affecting professional licenses and employment, theft convictions creating permanent barriers to retail and financial services jobs, domestic violence convictions affecting child custody and gun rights, misdemeanor convictions that accumulate creating substantial employment barriers, and felony convictions that carry severe stigma and limit opportunities throughout Santa Barbara’s economy. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office can oppose expungement petitions when they believe petitioners haven’t rehabilitated, pose public safety risks, or haven’t satisfied all requirements—but opposition is relatively rare when proper procedures are followed and petitioners demonstrate rehabilitation. Success rates for expungement petitions in Santa Barbara are generally high when filed correctly with proper documentation showing completion of all requirements and rehabilitation.
What many people with criminal records in Santa Barbara don’t understand is that expungement eligibility has specific requirements and timelines—you generally must wait until probation is completed (though early termination is possible), you must have paid all fines and restitution, you cannot currently be on probation for other offenses, and certain serious offenses including sex crimes requiring PC 290 registration are ineligible. Additionally, California offers other forms of record relief including felony reductions under PC 17(b) reducing wobblers from felonies to misdemeanors which must often occur before expungement, early termination of probation under PC 1203.3 allowing expungement before probation period ends, Certificates of Rehabilitation and Governors Pardons for serious felonies ineligible for standard expungement, and Proposition 47 and 64 petitions reducing prior felony drug and theft convictions to misdemeanors retroactively. Without understanding which forms of relief apply to your situation, proper timing and procedures, and how to present rehabilitation evidence convincingly to Santa Barbara judges, you risk denials requiring waiting periods before refiling, continued employment barriers from criminal records visible on background checks, and missed opportunities to improve your life by clearing records that employers, landlords, and licensing boards scrutinize when making decisions affecting your future in Santa Barbara.
- Legal Definition: Expungement under PC 1203.4 allows withdrawal of guilty/no contest pleas and dismissal of cases for individuals who completed probation or jail, releasing them from penalties and allowing them to state they weren’t convicted except for certain government jobs and professional licenses, with eligibility requiring completion of probation, payment of fines and restitution, no current charges or sentences, and serving interests of justice.
- Why It’s Important: Expungement provides employment opportunities by allowing you to honestly state you weren’t convicted on most job applications, improves housing prospects as landlords see dismissed convictions, restores some gun rights for certain convictions, helps professional license applications, releases you from legal disabilities, and provides fresh start allowing you to move past mistakes—though expunged convictions can still enhance future sentences and must be disclosed for some government positions and licenses.
- Common Santa Barbara Expungements: DUI convictions preventing driving jobs in tourism and hospitality, drug possession affecting professional licenses, theft convictions creating barriers to retail and financial jobs, domestic violence affecting custody and gun rights, misdemeanor convictions accumulating and limiting opportunities, and felony convictions carrying severe stigma throughout Santa Barbara’s economy.
Good news: Most misdemeanor and felony convictions can be expunged if you completed probation and paid fines. You can also seek early termination of probation to clear your record sooner. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 to find out if you qualify for expungement.
Record Clearing Services We Provide in Santa Barbara
We help Santa Barbara residents with all forms of criminal record relief. Here are the services we provide:
PC 1203.4 Expungements
- Misdemeanor Expungement
Dismissing misdemeanor convictions under PC 1203.4 | Benefit: State you weren’t convicted on most job applications, improved employment prospects - Felony Expungement
Dismissing felony convictions under PC 1203.4 after completion of probation | Benefit: Substantial relief from felony stigma, better employment opportunities - Multiple Conviction Expungement
Clearing multiple convictions across different cases | Strategy: Comprehensive record clearing addressing all eligible convictions - DUI Expungement
Dismissing DUI convictions preventing driving jobs | Benefit: Improved prospects for tourism, hospitality, delivery, and transportation jobs
Felony Reduction Under PC 17(b)
- Wobbler Felony Reduction to Misdemeanor
Reducing “wobbler” felonies to misdemeanors before expungement | Benefit: Eliminates felony status, restores gun rights for non-violent offenses, improves employment - Combined Reduction and Expungement
First reducing felony to misdemeanor, then expunging | Strategy: Two-step process maximizing relief from felony convictions
Early Termination of Probation
- PC 1203.3 Early Probation Termination
Terminating probation early to pursue immediate expungement | Benefit: Clear record sooner without waiting years for probation to end - Early Termination for Employment
Seeking early termination when employment opportunities require clean records | Timing: Can petition after serving at least half of probation period
Proposition 47 and 64 Petitions
- Proposition 47 Reduction
Reducing prior felony drug and theft convictions to misdemeanors retroactively | Benefit: Eliminates felony status for eligible drug possession and theft under $950 - Proposition 64 Marijuana Conviction Relief
Reducing or dismissing prior marijuana convictions now legal under Prop 64 | Benefit: Clearing marijuana convictions that wouldn’t be crimes today - Combined Prop 47 Reduction and Expungement
First reducing to misdemeanor under Prop 47, then expunging | Strategy: Maximum relief for drug and theft convictions
Arrest Record Sealing
- PC 851.8 Arrest Record Sealing
Sealing arrest records for arrests not resulting in convictions | Benefit: Arrests sealed from most background checks, can deny arrest occurred - Detention-Only Record Sealing
Sealing records of detentions and investigations | Benefit: Clearing records when never formally arrested or charged
Juvenile Record Sealing
- Juvenile Record Sealing (WIC 781)
Sealing juvenile delinquency records | Benefit: Fresh start without juvenile adjudications affecting adult opportunities - Automatic Juvenile Sealing
Ensuring eligible juvenile records are automatically sealed at age 18 | Timeline: Records sealed when turn 18 if probation satisfactorily completed
Certificate of Rehabilitation and Governor’s Pardon
- Certificate of Rehabilitation
Demonstrating rehabilitation for serious felonies ineligible for standard expungement | Benefit: Restores rights, serves as application for Governor’s Pardon, helps employment - Governor’s Pardon
Full pardon from Governor restoring civil rights | Benefit: Restores gun rights, removes deportation basis, maximum relief available
Additional Record Relief Services
- Setting Aside Infractions and Dismissals – Clearing infraction convictions
- Factual Innocence Declarations (PC 851.8(c)) – Proving actual innocence for arrests
- DNA Database Removal – Removing profiles from databases after relief granted
- Restoration of Gun Rights – Restoring firearm rights for eligible convictions
- Professional License Assistance – Helping obtain licenses after record clearing
- Immigration Relief Coordination – Coordinating with immigration attorneys on deportation defense
Want to clear your record? Most convictions can be expunged if you completed probation and paid fines. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 for free consultation to determine your eligibility and get started today.
Benefits of Expungement and Record Clearing
Clearing your criminal record provides substantial benefits that can transform your life:
Employment Benefits
- Legally state you weren’t convicted on most private employer job applications
- Background checks show conviction was dismissed, dramatically improving prospects
- Access to jobs in Santa Barbara’s tourism, hospitality, and retail industries requiring clean records
- Eligibility for professional licenses and certifications previously unavailable
- Better opportunities in financial services, healthcare, education, and other trust-based fields
- Removal of automatic disqualification from many positions
Additional Benefits
- Improved housing opportunities as landlords see dismissed convictions on rental applications
- Restoration of some gun rights for certain non-violent felonies reduced to misdemeanors
- Relief from duty to disclose convictions in most situations
- Better prospects for professional licenses including real estate, insurance, healthcare, and education
- Improved immigration outcomes as expungement helps show rehabilitation
- Peace of mind and fresh start without criminal record haunting your future
⚠️ Don’t wait to clear your record. Every day with a criminal record is another day of lost opportunities. Most convictions can be expunged—find out if you qualify. Get your free consultation now.
Why Hiring an Attorney for Expungement Is Important
Maximize Relief Through Strategic Sequencing
Many Santa Barbara residents with criminal records don’t realize they can obtain multiple forms of relief through strategic sequencing—for example, first obtaining Proposition 47 reduction of felony drug possession to misdemeanor, then reducing “wobbler” offenses from felonies to misdemeanors under PC 17(b), then seeking early termination of probation under PC 1203.3, and finally expunging convictions under PC 1203.4. We develop comprehensive record clearing strategies that maximize relief by identifying all eligible convictions across multiple cases, determining optimal sequencing of petitions, pursuing Proposition 47 and 64 reductions first to eliminate felony status, then seeking felony reductions under PC 17(b) for wobblers, obtaining early probation termination to clear records sooner, and finally expunging all eligible convictions. Many people attempt to file expungement petitions on their own without first reducing felonies to misdemeanors or terminating probation early—missing opportunities for greater relief and having to wait longer than necessary.
Demonstrate Rehabilitation to Santa Barbara Judges
While expungement is generally granted when technical requirements are met, Santa Barbara judges have discretion to deny petitions when they don’t believe expungement serves the interests of justice—and demonstrating rehabilitation convincingly can make the difference between granted and denied petitions, particularly for serious felonies or multiple convictions. We present compelling rehabilitation evidence by gathering employment letters from Santa Barbara employers showing steady work history and good character, obtaining education records showing completion of degrees, vocational training, or self-improvement courses, presenting community service documentation showing contributions to Santa Barbara community, collecting character reference letters from employers, neighbors, clergy, and community members, documenting substance abuse treatment completion for drug or alcohol-related convictions, and presenting testimony from petitioners explaining rehabilitation and why expungement will help them contribute positively to Santa Barbara’s community. For contested cases where District Attorney’s Office opposes expungement or judges express concerns, strong rehabilitation evidence is critical to securing relief.
Navigate Complex Procedures and Documentation
Expungement petitions require specific procedures, forms, and documentation that must be correct or courts will deny petitions—forcing waiting periods before refiling. We ensure proper procedures by obtaining complete court records including minute orders, abstracts of judgment, and probation reports documenting all requirements, preparing proper petition forms specific to Santa Barbara County Superior Court, providing required declarations and supporting documents, obtaining proof of completion of all probation terms, fines, restitution, classes, and community service, properly serving District Attorney’s Office and obtaining proof of service, appearing at hearings to argue for relief and address any opposition, and obtaining proper dismissal orders that accurately reflect relief granted. Many self-represented petitioners have their expungement petitions denied for technical defects—improperly served documents, missing required declarations, incorrect forms, or failure to properly document completion of all requirements—requiring starting over and waiting months for new hearing dates.
Local Experience Makes the Difference
Expungement petitions in Santa Barbara County Superior Court require understanding which judges grant relief readily versus those who scrutinize petitions carefully, what documentation Santa Barbara judges expect to see proving rehabilitation and completion of requirements, how Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office evaluates expungement petitions and when they oppose, and what rehabilitation evidence resonates with Santa Barbara judges who consider whether relief serves interests of justice. We’ve filed hundreds of expungement petitions in Santa Barbara, know the judges who hear these matters and their expectations, understand Santa Barbara County’s specific procedures and local rules for expungement filings, have established working relationships with District Attorney’s Office on expungement matters, and know how to present cases effectively to Santa Barbara judges. We also understand the employment landscape in Santa Barbara where tourism, hospitality, retail, and service industries dominate and where criminal records create substantial barriers to employment—making record clearing particularly important for economic survival and advancement in this community.
How Central Coast Criminal Defense Handles Expungements
Since 2010, we’ve helped Santa Barbara residents clear criminal records with a proven approach:
- Comprehensive Record Review and Eligibility Assessment
We obtain complete California criminal records through DOJ livescan and court records to identify all convictions, arrests, and cases requiring relief, review each conviction to determine expungement eligibility under PC 1203.4, assess eligibility for Proposition 47 reductions, felony reductions under PC 17(b), early termination of probation under PC 1203.3, arrest record sealing under PC 851.8, and other forms of relief, identify any outstanding requirements including unpaid fines, incomplete classes, or pending restitution, and develop comprehensive strategy sequencing multiple petitions to maximize relief. - Obtaining Court Records and Documentation
We obtain complete court records from Santa Barbara County Superior Court including minute orders, abstracts of judgment, probation reports, and case files documenting convictions and probation requirements, gather proof of completion including certificates from DUI schools, batterer’s programs, community service organizations, and treatment programs, obtain proof of restitution payments and fine payments from courts and collection agencies, document employment history and rehabilitation through letters and records, and compile all documentation needed to support petitions. - Proposition 47 and Felony Reduction Petitions
For eligible convictions we first file Proposition 47 petitions reducing prior felony drug and theft convictions to misdemeanors retroactively, file PC 17(b) petitions reducing wobbler felonies to misdemeanors, obtain court orders reducing felonies to misdemeanors which must occur before expungement in many cases, and ensure reductions are properly documented in court records and DOJ records. - Early Termination of Probation
When clients remain on probation we file PC 1203.3 petitions for early termination showing compliance with all probation terms, rehabilitation, and reasons termination serves interests of justice, present evidence that clients have served at least half of probation period and completed all substantive requirements, demonstrate employment or education opportunities requiring clean records, obtain court orders terminating probation early allowing immediate expungement without waiting years for probation to end. - Expungement Petition Preparation and Filing
We prepare comprehensive PC 1203.4 petitions with required declarations, supporting documents, and exhibits proving eligibility, properly serve Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and obtain proof of service, file petitions with Santa Barbara County Superior Court with all required attachments and filing fees, and schedule hearings before judges who handle expungement matters. - Rehabilitation Evidence Presentation
We gather compelling rehabilitation evidence including employment letters from Santa Barbara employers showing steady work and good character, education records showing degrees, certifications, or vocational training completion, community service documentation showing contributions to Santa Barbara community, character reference letters from employers, neighbors, clergy, and community members, substance abuse treatment completion certificates for alcohol or drug convictions, and personal declarations from clients explaining rehabilitation and how expungement will help them contribute positively. - Hearing Advocacy
We appear at expungement hearings at Santa Barbara County Superior Court presenting petitions and supporting evidence to judges, addressing any questions or concerns judges raise about eligibility or rehabilitation, responding to any opposition from District Attorney’s Office, presenting witnesses or testimony when needed to establish rehabilitation, and obtaining dismissal orders granting relief. - Post-Relief Services
After expungement granted we obtain certified copies of dismissal orders for clients’ records, ensure dismissals are properly recorded in DOJ criminal history databases, advise clients on how to respond to employment and licensing questions after expungement, assist with professional license applications now that records are cleared, coordinate with immigration attorneys when expungement helps deportation defense, and pursue additional relief including Certificates of Rehabilitation or gun rights restoration when appropriate.
Our expungement and record clearing practice is built on successfully helping Santa Barbara residents clear criminal records and reclaim their futures. We’ve obtained expungements for hundreds of misdemeanor and felony convictions including DUI, drug possession, theft, domestic violence, and other offenses, secured Proposition 47 reductions eliminating felony status for prior drug and theft convictions, obtained felony reductions under PC 17(b) reducing wobblers to misdemeanors and restoring gun rights, won early termination of probation allowing immediate expungement years before probation would naturally end, sealed arrest records for arrests not resulting in convictions, sealed juvenile records providing fresh starts for young adults, and obtained Certificates of Rehabilitation and Governors Pardons for serious felonies. We understand that criminal records create devastating barriers to employment, housing, professional licenses, and opportunities in Santa Barbara where tourism, hospitality, and service industries require background checks and where criminal records permanently brand people as untrustworthy—and we fight to clear records, restore rights, and provide second chances allowing clients to move forward without past mistakes destroying their futures in this competitive economy where clean records are increasingly necessary for employment and advancement.
When your criminal record is holding you back from employment, housing, and opportunities, you need more than just forms—you need an advocate who knows Santa Barbara County courts and expungement procedures inside and out. That’s exactly what you get with Central Coast Criminal Defense.
Get Your Free Expungement Consultation Today
Don’t let your past hold back your future. Most convictions can be expunged—find out if you qualify and start the process today.
Call +1 (805) 621-7181 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your record, determine your eligibility, and explain your options for clearing your record and moving forward.
