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Mistakes happen, but some mistakes can have a significant impact on our lives longer after they have passed. If you have a prior arrest or conviction on your record, it can continue to impact your life negatively for many years after you have repaid your debt to society. Getting your criminal record expunged can afford you more opportunities moving forward. A Rancho Cucamonga expungement attorney can help you through the expungement process.
When you hire an expungement attorney from Kolacia Law, you gain an ally who understands the challenges you face when trying to build a life around the barriers created by a criminal record. Our team believes that you have the right to have your records expunged or sealed, allowing you to more easily rebuild your life after a conviction. With 15 years of criminal law experience, we understand the inner workings of the California criminal justice system.
According to a 2024 study by the Clean Slate Initiative and the California Policy Lab, roughly eight million Californians have criminal records. As a result of record-relief laws, more than 12 million arrest and conviction records have been relieved. Even more records are eligible for relief through court petitions. According to this study, Californians with convictions between 2010 and 2021:
A separate 2025 study by Californians for Safety and Justice examined Department of Justice data showing that 929,322 old conviction records were expunged in California in 2024 as a result of Assembly Bill 1076 and Senate Bill 731.
When petitioning to have a past criminal conviction expunged, you have to petition the same court that made the original ruling. For citizens of Rancho Cucamonga, that is most likely the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Both felony and misdemeanor expungement cases can be petitioned at the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse.
Saying a criminal case is expunged is a bit of a misnomer. In California, under Penal Code § 1203.4, when you file for an expungement, the case is marked as dismissed, but it is not completely removed from your record. Receiving an expungement releases you from the penalties of a criminal record, but it does not remove the record completely. California does not have a process for completely removing a conviction from your criminal record. The eligibility requirements for an expungement are:
An expunged record offers many benefits, but there are some things that an expungement cannot do, for instance:
Receiving a record expungement may not completely remove the conviction from your record, but it does offer several benefits, including:
A: The cost to expunge a record in California varies with the court jurisdiction, and if you hire an expungement attorney to help you complete the petition. The court filing fee varies, but could run as high as a few hundred dollars. If you choose to be represented by an attorney, you also have to pay their fee, but they can help determine if you qualify for expungement and represent you if a hearing is necessary.
A: Almost all crimes are eligible for expungement in California, except for certain classes of crimes. Sex crimes involving minors are never eligible for expungement. Several types of vehicle code violations are also ineligible. Serious, violent felony convictions are also rarely eligible for expungement. Felonies that are ineligible include murder, manslaughter, arson, kidnapping, and domestic violence charges.
A: Both sealing and expunging your record are good options in California, depending on your main objective. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from public view, but it is not actually erased from your record. Law enforcement and some searches can still see sealed records. Having a record expunged results in the conviction being listed as dismissed.
A: In general, it can take a while to get a record expunged in California, but several factors can influence this timeline. The process could take longer if the courthouse has a significant case backlog, resulting in a longer wait time before your petition is reviewed. It could also take some time for official criminal record databases to reflect the record’s dismissal.
A: Under California’s record expungement laws, many people arrested or convicted qualify for relief. Anyone arrested but not convicted is eligible for automatic relief under SB 731. Once you have completed the terms of your probation, infractions, misdemeanors, and some felonies are eligible for relief. If your conviction does not include probation, you may be eligible for relief one to two years after the date of judgment.
Although our office is located in Rancho Cucamonga, we have helped clients throughout the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Kolacia has a unique perspective when it comes to handling criminal cases. Don’t continue to live with unnecessary barriers. We can help you get your criminal record expunged, including many DUI charges. Contact Kolacia Law Firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
Our extensive experience representing clients in California criminal courts gives us a leg up when it comes to fighting for your rights. We understand the anxiety and fear that comes with facing criminal charges. From district to superior court, we’re here to help guide you through the criminal justice system with confidence.
47-671 Oasis St.
Indio, CA 92201
4601 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595
Get answers to your toughest legal questions with our criminal defense blog. Our criminal justice lawyers provide valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the legal system. Stay up-to-date on the latest news, tips, and strategies for defending your rights and securing a favorable outcome. Explore our recent posts below.
I had a great experience with Kolacia Law Firm! Very responsive, friendly to work with, and on top with everything they need for your case! No such thing as a dumb question with them, ask they’ll explain. Overall really great!
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I can't thank Dan enough. It's not easy to find an Attorney that will go out of his way and put in 110% for you. He was completely dedicated to my case, helping me with all my concerns and putting my mind at ease. I couldn't ask for a better Attorney. He's the Best. Thank you Dan.
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This is the best law firm in California. I was charged in California for drinking in Public in 2023, I hired this Kolacia Law to represent me at the court. The lawyer did everything and my case was dismissed. Good Job 👍
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If you need a DUI attorney, Dan is the real deal. Not only does he know the court system and how to fight DUIs he is extremely accommodating with any other little questions you might have in this confusing situation. His flat fee was fair and he didn’t add on hidden fees later. He was a straight shooter and saved me a lot of $$ in fines. I recommend Dan 100%!
Mr. Kolacia is very professional and an expert on this field. I highly recommend him! If you are looking for an attorney to get positive results, Mr. Kolacia is the attorney that will get the best outcome on your case!
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So, I used to live in The San Bernardino Mountains in SoCal about 15-20 years ago. I now live in TN. I had an opportunity to foster my grandson here. In the process of being approved to be a foster parent, I was fingerprinted and had to consent to a background check. I did this willingly believing with all my heart that I would be cleared. Much to my shock, however, it came back that I had an active warrant in CA for failure to appear on driving without a license. Now, the reason that this shocked me was because…
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WOOWWW! Mr Kolacia , I'm extremely happy with my outcome, without a doubt he took care of me answered all my questions and went beyond to make sure the best outcome for me, got my case dismissed. and now i can get back to my life that this ticket has haunted me, thank you for giving me a second chance.
Dan at Kolacia Law Firm was very timely and punctual in handling my petition for an expungement. He was always professional maintaining an understanding and non-judgmental position while taking the necessary actions to gain a favorable decision from the court. He not only took the necessary actions to submit the appropriate package but also overcame DA's objections and other obstacles. My expungement was approved and now I can finally start fresh and be the best citizen I possibly can and better provide for my family. I do recommend!
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I highly recommend Kolacia Law Firm. Attorney Daniel Kolacia helped successfully grant an early termination of probation and dismissal of my DUI. Attorney Daniel Kolacia was extremely informative and completely honest about my case and the possible outcomes. But he defended my case and convinced the judge to dismiss my DUI.
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I recently ran into an unexpected and serious situation legally, and I knew I had to find a serious attorney to represent me, and I found that with Mr. Daniel Kolacia. Mr. Kolacia did his absolute best to represent me and my case, kept in good touch, always informing and keeping me in the loop of how my situation was getting handled, he tried any possible way to try to make my case better and getting a chance at a lesser sentence, and I’m very thankful to say that Mr. Kolacia was able to get my felony charge reduced to…
I can’t recommend Daniel Kolacia's law firm enough, and his wonderful assistant. After my DUI charge, I was feeling lost and anxious about what to do next. From the very first meeting, he was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely compassionate, taking the time to explain everything clearly. I followed his instructions to the letter, and I’m so glad I did. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, I got early termination of my probation and even managed to get my record expunged! He was always there to answer my questions and really supported me throughout this challenging time. If you’re…
From day one, Dan Kolacia helped ease a level of anxiety I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Walking into this situation, I was stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly worried about the unknown. Dan immediately brought a sense of calm and control. He didn’t just tell me “it’ll be okay” — he explained exactly why. He took the time to walk me through the entire process step by step, clearly laying out how things were likely to unfold and what to expect at every stage. That transparency made all the difference. Knowing the plan, the timeline, and the possible outcomes helped me sleep…
Mr. Kolacia is a beyond amazing lawyer. I would give him 100 starts if I could. Being an individual in the medical field who needed an expungement dismissed, it was a very emotional and difficult situation for me but Daniel made me feel confident and well taken care of. He told me very directly what to expect and what I need to do to get the best results for my case. Daniel always made himself available to speak on the phone if I had questions and he is quick to respond to emails. In the end, Daniel successfully was able…
Daniel Kolacia made going through the court system for my DUI an extremely easy going experience. Having to go to court and dealing with judges and the court system, not knowing what my rights are made me feel a bit scared and anxious so having Daniel Kolacia by my side made the whole experience much easier on me. He remained available whenever I had questions, always made sure to contact me with results or any news, he did whatever he could to make this process less stressful for me so I’m happy with my results and he was 100% worth…
Dan has been amazing. He’s been my lawyer for 1.5 years! He got all charges dismissed and a clean record. Highly recommend
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Daniel Kolacia at the Kolacia Law Firm did exactly what he said he would. Other big name companies would give me the run around and tell me that it couldn't be done. He got my Felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He worked with me through all steps and once I got him everything he requested the court date was set. He appeared in Court for me as I live 2500 miles away and called me to let me know the results. Can't ask for better communication and expertise.I would recommend Daniel Kolacia to anyone needed his services.
My Experience With Kolacia Law Firm was exceptional. Dan was such a great person an extremely good at what he does he was able to get my case expunged for me in a few months.. He always picked up phone if I Had any questions he was always prompt in keeping me informed on what he wanted to to do an how he was going about it he got it done for me. Showed up to every court date for me an made me feel good about my situation I highly recommend him his Firm Thank you Dan again!!!
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I have always been skeptical of lawyers until I spoke with Daniel Kolacia. With just his introduction he set me at ease and throughout the whole process made me feel more comfortable than I've ever felt dealing with the law. He never gave up on me, and tells me his commitment comes from a higher place of reverence. I am so happy with the outcome that I not only consider him as my lawyer but I consider him as a friend. Thank you Kolacia law for everything that you have done.
Mr. Kolacia defended my case honestly and better than I thought possible. I truly thought I was going to jail. He always advised me logically and with empathy to my personal situation. Always referring to me, with the choice in direction on how to proceed. Regardless of my decision, he defended me vigorously. The outcome of the case was more than fare. Even after the sentencing he still consults with me. Daniel Kolacia did not sugar coat any bad or good news regarding my case. I hope more people get the same professional help that I received.
The cost of getting an expungement in San Bernardino County can vary. The filing fee for an expungement petition typically ranges from $60 to $120, but fees may vary by court. Additional costs may include obtaining your criminal record and hiring an attorney. You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee.
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