Can I expunge my record myself in California?
Asked by: Salvador Block | Last update: May 25, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (4 votes)
Eligible persons may be able to expunge their criminal records by petitioning the Superior Court of the county where the conviction occurred. To do this, petitioners begin by printing and completing the Petition for Dismissal Form for each conviction. Note that some counties have separate forms for this purpose.
How much does it cost to have your record expunged in California?
Misdemeanor Expungements $900* Misdemeanor DUI Expungement $1,075. Felony Expungement $1,200* (includes a reduction to a misdemeanor when eligible) Sealing of Juvenile or Diversion Records: $3,500.
What are the requirements to expunge your record in California?
- You have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
- You are not currently facing any criminal charges.
- You are not currently serving a sentence for a criminal offense.
- You did not serve time in a California state prison.
How can I get my criminal record expunged in California for free?
- Contact the Public Defender or legal aid. The Public Defender or legal aid in the county where you have convictions will be able to help you start the process.
- Submit petitions if eligible. In about 2-6 weeks, the Public Defender or legal aid will contact you. ...
- Receive decision.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in California?
As a result, if you have a misdemeanor conviction, it is important to understand what will show up on a background check. In California, criminal convictions will show up on an individual's background check for seven years.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
What is the new law in California for expungement?
There is a new law in California that went into effect in 2023 called the California Clean Slate Act (SB 731). Under the Clean Slate Act, authorities will automatically expunge – or dismiss – certain arrests and criminal convictions.
What is the 7 year rule?
The 7 year rule
No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in California?
An expunged arrest is removed completely from the public record. Sealing court records generally only applies to crimes committed by juveniles. The arrest and conviction will remain on the person's record but can only be seen by court order. Sealed records should not turn up in a criminal background check.
Does a felony go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
What cases cannot be expunged in California?
Charges that cannot be expunged: Murder, attempted murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, serious sex crimes, serious violent crimes, certain domestic violence crimes, felonies committed while on probation, and some traffic offenses cannot be expunged from your record.
Is expungement worth it California?
There are many benefits to expunged convictions. First and foremost, it will give you peace of mind. As expressed in the California Penal Code 1203.4, expungement absolves a person of all discrimination and penalties that can result from a conviction.
What is the clean slate program in California?
The Clean Slate Program is a reentry program that provides free legal services to persons convicted of criminal offenses in Fresno County who are eligible for record clearance. Clearing your criminal history may make finding employment, obtaining housing, and getting educational financial aid easier.
What is the difference between expungement and sealing in California?
Key differences between sealing and expunging include: Sealing a criminal record means restricting access to it, while expunging means dismissing it. Sealed records are not visible to the public, including potential employers and landlords, but they are still visible to law enforcement agencies.
Can I do my own expungement?
Get Legal Help With the Expungement Process
While you may apply for expunction without an attorney, consider hiring one to assist you. To learn more about the expungement process in your state, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Who qualifies for expungement in California?
Eligibility for expungement in California depends on several factors, including the nature of your offense, whether you have completed probation, and your current legal standing. California law distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony convictions, with different criteria applying to each.
How fast can you get your record expunged in California?
We have successfully expunged hundreds of misdemeanor records all over California. The procedure will take from 8 to 16 weeks (and sometimes longer) depending upon the Court, the complexity of the case, and how old the conviction is.
Do felonies show up after 7 years in California?
California. California's clean slate law was effective on July 1, 2023. Under this law, most felonies, misdemeanors, and non-conviction arrests are automatically sealed after four years have passed from the date the individual completed the sentence as long as they haven't been charged with additional crimes.
Can a felon get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
What is the new California expungement law 2024?
2024 Update: California has recently adopted legislation that limits some offenses (specifically violent and serious felonies under §1192 and §667) from expungement eligibility. More on this below. For Felony Expungements, click here.
Can FBI see expunged records?
A Level 2 FBI Background Check
A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.
Can TSA see expunged records?
Thus, because the TSA likely already knows about your expunged criminal record, it is always best to be honest and forthright throughout the Global Entry application process and to admit to the expunged offense.
What is the Rule of 72 8 years?
Simply divide the number 72 by your investment's expected rate of return (ignoring the percent sign). Assuming an expected rate of return of 9 percent, your investment will double in value about every 8 years (72 divided by 9 equals 8).
What is the 7 10 year rule?
According to the past, the 7-10 rule of thumb could be a viable assumption for a well-managed diversified stock portfolio. The 7-10 rule states it takes 7 years for money to double at 10%, and 10 years to double at 7%.
What is the 7 year itch rule?
The seven-year itch is the idea that after seven years in a relationship, whether that's as a married couple or cohabitees, we start to become restless. Bored perhaps. Everything begins to feel a little bit mundane or routine. Anecdotally, it's said we're more likely to go our separate ways around this time.