Identify the proceeding
Record the sentencing court, judgment date and current custody or supervision status. If a deadline or hearing is pending, contact defense counsel promptly.
Distinguish the requested result
Resentencing, a conviction-level change and executive commutation can involve different authorities and procedures. Describe the outcome you seek before choosing a form or service.
Use the right scope of help
Expungement Path's planned record analysis can preserve documents and identify unresolved questions. It does not substitute for representation in an active sentencing, appeal or post-conviction proceeding.
A way to organize your review
Questions to keep separate
Read the diagram as text
- Conviction level
- What offense and classification appear in the judgment?
- Sentence
- What punishment was ordered, and was it completed?
- Record access
- Who can still see the record after the requested change?
- Other rights
- Which rights need a separate legal review?
Common question
Is sentence reduction included in an expungement application?
Do not assume it is. Identify the specific sentencing procedure and obtain advice about its requirements and deadlines.
Official resources
Consult the issuing authority for current forms and local procedure.
- California Courts — Record-cleaning indexwww.selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
- California Courts — Felony convictions and Proposition 47www.selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
- California Penal Code section 17leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Additional official guidancewww.justice.gov