Bakersfield · Kern County · California
California Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer
An old conviction does not have to follow you forever. PC 1203.4 expungement, PC 17(b) reduction, and arrest record sealing can give you back the job, housing, and license you have been denied.
Background checks decide jobs, apartments, and professional licenses every day in California. If you completed probation and stayed out of trouble, you may qualify for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 — and possibly a felony reduction under PC 17(b) or arrest sealing under PC 851.91. Christopher Martens has handled thousands of criminal cases since 2005, including post-conviction relief throughout California.
Many clients qualify for relief but never apply. Each year you wait is another year of denied opportunities.
Memberships & Affiliations
Understanding California Expungement
California's expungement law (Penal Code 1203.4) was designed to give people who completed their sentence a real path back into the workforce. Once granted, the case is reopened, the plea is withdrawn, and the case is dismissed. You can lawfully answer 'no' to most private employer questions about that conviction. Combined with PC 17(b) reductions and PC 851.91 arrest sealing, most California residents have more relief available than they realize.
Post-Conviction Relief Martens Law Firm Handles
- Misdemeanor expungement (PC 1203.4)
- Felony expungement (PC 1203.4)
- Felony reduction to misdemeanor (PC 17(b))
- Early termination of probation (PC 1203.3)
- Arrest record sealing (PC 851.91)
- Juvenile record sealing (W&IC 781)
- Certificate of Rehabilitation
- Governor's Pardon applications
- Prop 47 reclassification
- Prop 64 cannabis conviction relief
- Three Strikes resentencing (PC 1170.126)
- Restoration of firearm rights
- DUI expungement
- Domestic violence expungement
How Martens Law Firm Handles Your Expungement
Expungement is more than a form. We pull your full criminal history, identify every available form of relief, and package the petition so the judge has every reason to grant it.
Pull complete RAP sheet and case files
Confirm eligibility under PC 1203.4
Pursue PC 17(b) reduction first when available
Add PC 851.91 sealing for arrests
Document rehabilitation and good cause
Respond to DA opposition
Appear at the hearing on your behalf
Update CA DOJ and FBI records
What Expungement Can Change
| Issue | Martens Law Defense Priority |
|---|---|
| Private employment | PC 1203.4 dismissal |
| Professional licensing | Document rehabilitation |
| Housing applications | Combine expungement with arrest sealing |
| Felony stigma | PC 17(b) before expungement |
| Firearm rights | PC 17(b) — confirm federal status |
| Immigration | Coordinate with immigration counsel |
| Voting | Confirm registration |
| Peace officer / government jobs | Full disclosure with documentation |
What Clients Say About Martens Law Firm
Verified reviews from Avvo. Read more on our testimonials page.
The Attorney You Need
"I hired Mr. Martens to represent me in Kings County. The criminal charges against me had me looking at being sentenced to life. He took my case to trial and we walked away with 3 not guilty verdicts. During my case, I had acquired 4 different lawyers and not a single one of them wanted to take my case."
Thankful For Martens
"Thanks to the law office of Christopher Martens, they spoke on my and my family's behalf, and showed the judge the person I am now and not to judge me by my past. I picked up an assault charge that would have given me my third strike, but with their help we got a much better outcome."
Very Informative And Professional
"I hired Mr. Martens for a case I thought was going to completely derail my life, but Mr. Martens and his staff helped me every step of the way. They handled everything with the utmost professionalism and were readily available to answer my questions."
Martens Is An Excellent Attorney
"I hired Christopher Martens to handle my son's case! Best choice was going with him and his amazing team to help us through the tough times. We got the results we wanted and needed. I really recommend him if you or a loved one is in need of a criminal attorney — he knows what he's doing and fights for you."
Best Decision
"Hiring Martens Law Firm was the best decision. I had searched for a lawyer I was truly happy with, and his staff was very supportive and helpful. The end results were beyond exceeded. Thank you for giving me this second chance."
An Outstanding Lawyer
"Mr. Christopher R. Martens did a fantastic job in my case with an awesome outcome in the end. What was best — he took care of everything. I did not even have to be in front of the judge once. I totally appreciated his knowledge and professionalism."
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Expungement Timeline
- Step 1
Records review and eligibility check
- Step 2
PC 17(b) reduction (if applicable)
- Step 3
Petition prepared and filed
- Step 4
DA service and response window
- Step 5
Court hearing or chambers ruling
- Step 6
Order signed and entered
- Step 7
DOJ / FBI records updated
- Step 8
Background check confirmation
Expungement In Bakersfield, Kern County, And Statewide
Expungement petitions are filed in the county where the conviction occurred. Martens Law Firm regularly files petitions in Kern County Superior Court and handles California expungements statewide. Each county has its own filing fees, DA response practices, and courtroom procedures — local knowledge speeds the process.
- Bakersfield
- Delano
- Lamont
- Mojave
- Ridgecrest
- Shafter
- Taft
- Wasco
Bakersfield Office: 1712 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
A Clean Slate Is Worth Fighting For
Christopher Martens has helped clients move past old DUIs, drug cases, theft convictions, and domestic violence charges through expungement and PC 17(b) reduction. If there is a path to relief in your case, we will find it and pursue it.
- ✓ 20+ years of criminal defense experience
- ✓ 100+ jury trials
- ✓ Thousands of cases handled since 2005
- ✓ Misdemeanor and felony defense
Frequently Asked Questions
- Penal Code 1203.4 lets you petition the court to withdraw your guilty/no-contest plea (or set aside a verdict), enter a not-guilty plea, and dismiss the case. You can lawfully answer 'no' to most private employer questions about whether you have been convicted of that offense.
Stop Losing Jobs To An Old Case
Call Martens Law Firm now to find out if you qualify for expungement, felony reduction, or arrest record sealing under California law.