In many cases, yes. Under California Penal Code section 1203.4, a lot of misdemeanor and some felony convictions can be dismissed once you've finished probation and met the terms the court set.
An expungement doesn't erase the arrest or wipe the record clean the way people often expect. What it does is reopen the case, let you withdraw the guilty or no-contest plea, and have the court dismiss the charge. The conviction is then set aside, which can make a real difference when you're filling out a private job application. On most of those, you can honestly say you weren't convicted.
There are limits. Convictions where you served time in state prison usually don't qualify the same way, and some serious offenses are excluded. Certain government jobs, professional licensing, and firearm rules may still consider the original conviction, so it isn't a total reset. Eligibility depends on the offense, whether you completed probation, and whether you have new charges pending.
If you finished probation cleanly here in San Diego, you may be a good candidate. Joe Crudo can look at your record and tell you honestly whether a petition is worth filing.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case turns on its own facts.
Whether you're dealing with an old case, a current criminal defense matter, or a related domestic violence charge, we can talk it through. Call (858) 622-7280 or reach us through our contact page for a free, confidential consultation.