Criminal Record Expungement in Kearny Mesa, California

What to Do After a Conviction in Kearny Mesa: Steps to Expunge Your Record 

A felony conviction that goes through the Kearny Mesa Courthouse (8950 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA) holds the potential to affect your life in several ways, such as obtaining employment, housing, and forming relationships. Whether you are charged with a DUI from a night out on Convoy Street, a petty theft charge because of a misunderstanding at a Target in the Kearny Mesa Auto Mall, or a misdemeanor charge from youthful indiscretions near MCAS Miramar, a felony conviction may follow you as if it were a permanent mark. For instance, in 2025 alone, San Diego County Courts, including Kearny Mesa, received over 1,000 petitions for expungement, clearly indicative of a necessary and growing need for second chances in our society. Under California's Penal Code §1203.4, there may be a pathway to expungement for eligible convictions that permits you to tell the truth when asked on nearly all employment, housing, and licensing applications and state that the case was dismissed. 

At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we understand the emotional and financial toll of a criminal record, much like the pain and suffering we address for personal injury victims. Our San Diego-based attorneys are dedicated to helping Kearny Mesa residents clear their records and rebuild their lives. If you’re ready to pursue expungement, contact us online at michellechoelaw.com for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we successfully expunge your record. 

Understanding Expungement at Kearny Mesa Courthouse 

Under Penal Code §1203.4, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge or dismiss a conviction upon completion of probation or the requirements of the sentence. If an expungement is granted, the conviction is set aside, and a not-guilty plea is entered. The case is dismissed, which relieves an individual of many of the penalties and disabilities imposed by a conviction while allowing them to respond "no" to most job applications when asked whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. While the record isn’t erased (it remains visible to law enforcement), you can legally state the case was dismissed for most private employers and housing applications. The Kearny Mesa Courthouse, part of San Diego’s Central Division, handles these petitions for misdemeanors, infractions, and some felonies processed locally, such as DUIs (Vehicle Code §23152) and petty theft (Penal Code §484). 

Expungement is a lifeline for Kearny Mesa residents, where 80% of employers conduct background checks, and a record can lead to $5,000+ in lost wages annually due to job denials. The process, while straightforward for some, requires precision to avoid delays in the busy Kearny Mesa court system, which operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with limited inquiry hours (8:30–11:30 a.m.). 

The Emotional and Financial Impact of a Criminal Record 

A conviction at Kearny Mesa Courthouse carries consequences that echo the emotional distress and financial hardship we see in personal injury cases: 

• Emotional Toll: The stigma of a criminal record can lead to anxiety, depression, and strained family relationships, especially for military personnel near MCAS Miramar facing career setbacks or clearance issues. 
• Financial Strain: Background checks block access to jobs (e.g., retail at Mesa Shopping Center), costing $2,000–$10,000 in lost income per year. Housing denials and licensing barriers (e.g., nursing, real estate) add further costs. 
• Social Barriers: Difficulty securing loans, education, or community roles compounds isolation, mirroring the loss of enjoyment in injury claims. 
• Family Impact: Juvenile records, common at Kearny Mesa, create parental guilt and fear for a child’s future. 

Expungement offers a fresh start, restoring opportunities and peace of mind. 

Steps to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Kearny Mesa 

Taking the proper steps immediately after completing your sentence maximizes your chances of a successful expungement. Here’s how to proceed: 

1. Check Your Eligibility: You may qualify for expungement if: 
2. You completed probation (formal or informal) or had it terminated early. 
3. You have no new criminal charges or pending cases. 
4. You paid all fines and restitution. 
5. The offense is eligible (most misdemeanors and infractions qualify; some felonies reduced to misdemeanors under Penal Code §17(b) may also be eligible). DUIs, petty theft, and juvenile infractions processed at Kearny Mesa are often eligible. Still, serious felonies (e.g., violent crimes under Penal Code §667.5) are not. Obtain your case records from the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) or the San Diego Superior Court Clerk to confirm details. 
6. Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect: 
7. Court case number and conviction details (available via SDPD or court records). 
8. Proof of completed probation (e.g., probation officer letter). 
9. Evidence of paid fines/restitution (court receipts). These records, often stored at the Kearny Mesa Courthouse or SDPD’s Western Division (near Clairemont), are critical for a complete petition. 
10. File Your Expungement Petition Submit Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) to the Kearny Mesa Courthouse. Include: 
11. Case details (e.g., DUI from a 2023 Convoy Street arrest). 
12. Proof of eligibility (probation completion, no new crimes). Filing fees are typically $60–$150, but fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners. No court appearance is usually required unless objections arise. 
13. Work with the San Diego District Attorney: The DA’s office reviews petitions and may object if eligibility is unclear. We negotiate to resolve disputes, ensuring your petition moves forward. 
14. Follow-up on Your Petition Processing: It takes 60–120 days due to court backlogs. If granted, you receive a court order dismissing the case. If denied, we can appeal or refile with corrections. 
15. Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe: Reach out via michellechoelaw.com for a free consultation. We handle: 
16. Eligibility verification using SDPD and court records. 
17. Form preparation and filing at Kearny Mesa Courthouse. 
18. Negotiations with the DA to prevent objections. 
19. Appeals or refilings for complex cases (e.g., multiple convictions). 

Common Eligible Convictions at Kearny Mesa Courthouse 

The Kearny Mesa Courthouse processes thousands of cases annually, with the following commonly eligible for expungement: 

• DUIs(Vehicle Code §23152): First-time misdemeanor DUIs from I-805 or Convoy Street checkpoints, after probation completion. 
• Petty Theft(Penal Code §484): Shoplifting at Target or Costco, common in retail-heavy Kearny Mesa, is eligible for post-fines. 
• Juvenile Infractions(Welfare & Institutions Code §256): Minor offenses like vandalism near Kearny High, often sealed concurrently under §781. 

Ineligible offenses include serious felonies (e.g., murder, sex crimes) and specific prison sentences. 

Benefits of Expungement for Kearny Mesa Residents 

Advantages of Expungement for Kearny Mesa Residents. Expungement provides a benefit similar to injury compensation: 

• Employment Opportunities: Report “dismissed" to employers, thereby obtaining employment opportunities in Kearny Mesa’s retail, medical, and tech fields (e.g., Sharp Hospital). 
• Housing Access: Avoid being misclassified as a "bad tenant" in competitive rental markets like Clairemont or Serra Mesa. 
• Financial Savings: Prevent $2,000–$10,000/year in lost wages from job rejections. 
• Emotional Relief: Reduce shame and anxiety, restoring confidence to injury victims’ recovery. 
• Military Careers: Protect clearances for Miramar personnel, critical for promotions. 

Why Choose the Law Offices of Michelle Choe? 

Just as we secure medical bills and lost wages for injury victims, we fight to clear your record with: 

• Free Consultations: Assess eligibility at no cost, using SDPD and court data. 
• Comprehensive Filing: Handle all paperwork, from CR-180 to supporting docs. 
• Aggressive Advocacy: Negotiate with the DA and appeal denials. 
• Personalized Support: Connect you with job placement or counseling resources. 
• No Fees Unless We Win: Contingency ensures zero upfront costs. 

Don’t Delay, Act Now to Clear Your Record 

There's no actual statute of limitations on expungement. Still, it is more inconvenient to track down older cases due to lost records and court backlogs. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can regain your future. Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe online at michellechoelaw.com for your free consultation. Our San Diego attorneys serve Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Serra Mesa, and all of San Diego County with dedicated, results-driven representation. We are your Kearny Mesa advocate, fighting to expunge your record and open new doors.