California Expungement Forms

Instructions for California expungement forms CR-180 and CR-181.

CR-180 – Petition for Dismissal

This form is relatively easy to fill out. However please note the following:

Do not write anything in the “FOR COURT USE ONLY” sections on the first page.
Make sure your case number and name are identical to your court file.
Make sure you add your name and case number to the top of pages 2 and 3.
In the first section
- Make sure you include the date you were convicted. This is usually the date your were sentenced.
- 1st Column – only put the title of the code you violated in this column. You can find a complete list of codes here.
- 2nd Column – put the number of the code you violated.
- Example: H&S 11350
  - 1st column: H&S – Health and Safety
  - 2nd column: 11350
- 3rd Column – the type of charge should be on your case records.
- 4th Column – If your charge was a “wobbler” (meaning it could be a misdemeanor or a felony) then you should answer yes in column 4.
- 5th Column – If your charge is listed in Penal Code section 19.8, you should answer yes in column 5.
Complete section 2 if you were granted probation.
Complete section 3 if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or infraction and were not granted probation.
Complete section 4 if you were the victim of human trafficking.
Complete section 5 if you were convicted of a felony and sentenced to jail or prison.
Complete section 6 if you were convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison but your case would now be eligible for a jail sentence.
Complete section 7 if you were granted deferred entry of judgment

Do not write anything in the “FOR COURT USE ONLY” sections on the first page.
Make sure your case number and name are identical to your court file.
You only need to fill out the top of page 1 and add your name and case number to the top of page 2.

Before you file your California expungement forms in court, serve them on the prosecutor. Then file your forms and a proof of service with the court.