Thornton, John W

California DUI expungement varies dramatically — some states allow sealing / expunging DUI convictions, many prohibit. Even where allowed, specific waiting periods + procedures apply.

California criminal restitution requires defendants to repay victims for losses caused by the crime — mandatory in many cases, enforceable as civil judgment, often non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.

California criminal defendants can pursue sentence reduction post-conviction through compassionate release, First Step Act retroactive provisions, Rule 35 motions, and clemency / commutation petitions.