How do you check if record is expunged?
Asked by: Lupe Jacobi | Last update: May 29, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (9 votes)
Contact the Clerk of Court Another effective way to confirm your expungement status is by contacting the Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where your case was filed.
How do I tell if my record was expunged?
The best way to find out if this has happened is to go to the Court where your case was at and ask to see the documents.
What companies can see expunged records?
- Criminal justice agencies (court administrative jobs, positions with juvenile court or state prisons, police officer jobs)
- Human service agencies (social work positions, probation officer positions, counselors)
- Department of Education (working in a public school)
What crimes cannot be expunged in CA?
- Child pornography crimes.
- Certain sexual assault crimes.
- Committing lewd acts with a minor.
- Failure to submit to a police inspection of vehicle.
How many records can you get expunged?
As a general rule, you can have two convictions expunged (one felony and one misdemeanor or two misdemeanors). Minor misdemeanors don't count when counting your convictions (charges that didn't carry any jail time). There are some limited situations where you can have more than two convictions expunged.
Do expunged charges show up on a background check?
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
How long do you have to wait to get your record expunged in CA?
You may apply for expungement the day after your probation ends. Many people think there is a "waiting period" for expungement. This only applies to convictions with NO probation; (often called a "terminal disposition" by criminal lawyers) then you must wait one year from the conviction to expunge the case.
Can the government see expunged records?
Thus, private employers, friends, family members, etc., will no longer be able to see your expunged record. Government law enforcement agencies, on the other hand, will still have access to your criminal records even if they have been expunged.
Can a judge see an expunged record?
If you are arrested again for another crime, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the criminal court may still be able to see your expunged records. The court can use your prior conviction against you as allowed by state and federal law.
Do investigations show up on background checks?
Depends how deep the background check is but in most cases no.
Does Canada recognize California expungement?
Expungement under California Penal Code section §1203.4 is the main avenue to clear your record so that you can travel to Canada with a criminal record.
How do I know if I qualify for SB 731?
Here are the main eligibility criteria to get your criminal records automatically sealed under SB 731: You were convicted of a non-violent, non-serious, and non-sexual offense (e.g., drug possession, theft, fraud, etc.). You completed your sentence four years ago, including any probation or parole requirements.
What is the clean slate law in California?
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.
How to check expungement status?
Often, clerks maintain records of expungement orders. By providing your case number or other identifying information, the clerk can verify if the court has processed your expungement order.
Can an expungement be reversed?
Rest assured that the expunged crime will not be reversed, meaning it will still be invisible to employers and landlords during a background check. However, law enforcement and the criminal court can use your expunged crime against you after a new arrest.
What agencies can see expunged records?
Also, certain government agencies will almost always have access to expunged records. Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.
Can Border Patrol see expunged records?
Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) still have access to records that are sealed. Even if you have an expunged or sealed record, the U.S. government has access to that documentation and can see your records.
Will a sealed record show up on a gun background check?
FBI for background checks related to firearms. Courts can still access your sealed convictions and may count them for the purpose of sentence enhancement or for establishing the elements of a subsequent crime.
Can countries see my expunged record?
In short, yes – immigration can look at your expunged record.
How many times can you expunge your record?
There are no limits to how many times you can file a petition for a Section 1 expungement, and they may be filed even if the individual has previously filed for expungement of convictions.
What does expunge do?
In the common law legal system, an expungement or expunction proceeding, is a type of lawsuit in which an individual who has been arrested for or convicted of a crime seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed or destroyed, making the records nonexistent or unavailable to the general public.
How far back do most background checks go?
Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.
How long does a Canadian criminal record last?
A criminal conviction in Canada, with no suspensions, will last up to 80 years before being struck from the record as standard. In some exceptional cases, this duration will be increased to 100 years. Unlike minors, adults only have an automatic strike from the records decades after the conviction.
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.
How to check if your record has been expunged in California?
The easiest way to check if your criminal record has been expunged is to visit the court where your case was handled and ask to see the records. If the court tells you they don't have your records, it means they were expunged.