Follow the steps below to complete an expungement in Santa Barbara County.
*You are not eligible for expungement if you have a pending case, are under investigation, are on probation, or are serving a sentence. Some types of cases are not eligible for expungement. (see Penal Code section 1203.4(b))
Step One: Get Your Case Information
You will need the following information about your case in order to complete your expungement:
- Case number
- Date of conviction
- Charges
- Any probation violations
- Prosecuting agency
Your case information may be available on the court portal.
Step Two: Complete Your Expungement Forms
You will need to complete the following forms:
CR-180 – Petition for Dismissal
If you need help completing the forms, read California Expungement Forms.
Step Three: Attach a Declaration if Necessary
If you violated your probation then you will need to include a declaration explaining why your expungement is in the interests of justice. Include the following information in your declaration:
- What have you learned from the conviction
- How did any classes or programs you take help you change your life
- What changes have you made in your life
- How is the conviction holding you back
Step Four: Serve Forms on the Prosecutor
In Santa Barbara County the local prosecutor is usually the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office. However, it could also be a local city attorney. Your case file will include the name of the prosecutor. You can also contact the Santa Barbara Superior Court and ask which agency prosecuted your case.
The forms must be served on the prosecutor at least 15 days before your court date. You cannot serve the forms yourself – you need another person over 18 years old to deliver the forms to the prosecutor.
Step Five: Fill out a Proof of Service
After you serve the forms on the prosecutor, fill out a proof of service stating when and how service was completed.
Step Six: File Forms with the Court
File your expungement forms and proof of service with the Santa Barbara Superior Court. They must be filed at the appropriate courthouse.
- Santa Barbara – 118 E. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Santa Maria – 312 E. Cook St. Bldg. E, Santa Maria, CA 93454
- Lompoc – 115 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, CA 93436
Step Seven: Attend Court
After your forms are filed the court clerk will send you notice of your court date. You must attend the court date in person or on zoom. If your expungement is granted the court clerk will provide you with a signed copy of the Order of Dismissal. The change should be reflected on your DOJ record within 60 days.