How do you check if your record has been expunged in California?
Asked by: Guadalupe Gulgowski III | Last update: May 27, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)
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.
How do I check my expungement status?
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. If they do not have them the case was expunged and some private company has the records and provided them when the background check was done.
Will an expungement show on background check in California?
While an expunged conviction will still show up on background checks, it will also show that it has been dismissed, which can improve your chances of employment or housing.
How long does it take for an expungement to come off your record in California?
How long does a California Expungement take? Generally speaking, you can count on your expungement taking in the neighborhood of 90 to 120 days, but certain courts or older cases can take longer. Several factors impact the length of time an expungement takes to go through the court system.
Will my expunged record show up on a live scan in California?
A: For any license or credential given by an agency in CA, any livescan will pull up a person's entire criminal history as it is stored in the DOJ repository. However, agencies prefer to see cases that have been expunged or sealed for dozens of reasons.
Do expunged charges show up on a background check?
How do I know if my record is expunged in California?
Because there is no true expungement in California, the state also refers to it as dismissal or cleaning of records. Expunged conviction records typically show "dismissed" when requested.
What is the 7 year rule for criminal background checks in California?
The FCRA includes a seven-year rule that prohibits background check companies from reporting certain types of adverse information that is older than seven years when the position the applicant has applied for pays a salary of less than $75,000 per year, which will be explained below.
What records Cannot be expunged in California?
- Child pornography crimes.
- Certain sexual assault crimes.
- Committing lewd acts with a minor.
- Failure to submit to a police inspection of vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
How far back does California do background checks?
After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.
Can Checkr see sealed records?
Will my sealed criminal records show up on a background check? Sealed convictions should not show up on any background check run by an employer or licensing agency, unless you are applying for a job as a police officer or a peace officer or you are applying for gun license.
Will an expunged record show up on a federal background check?
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.
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.
When a case is dismissed, is it still on your record in California?
Dismissal does not seal your record, destroy or remove any entries from the court, law enforcement, Department of Justice or DMV. The case, including the conviction will remain public record.
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.
How do I know if my case was expunged?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).
Can police see expunged records in California?
Once expunged, such records cannot be accessed for general law enforcement or civil use. However, under certain exceptional situations, the expunged records can be searched, retrieved, and used, but this occurs only in exceptional circumstances which normally require a court order or statutory authorization.
How long does it take for your record to clear after expungement 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.
Can I buy a gun in California with an expunged record?
Thus, even if you have had a conviction expunged in California, you will still have the ban if that conviction was for a felony or for a qualifying misdemeanor that triggered either a ten-year or lifetime ban on owning or possessing a firearm. Unlawfully owning or possessing a firearm is a crime.
Do expunged records show up on fingerprinting California?
Yes – your fingerprints will still be on file at both the state and federal levels. That's because fingerprints are physical records, and expungements do not destroy them. At the state level, your fingerprints won't be connected to your expunged case, but they could still be used to identify you.
Can I run a background check on myself?
Running a background check on yourself can be a helpful step when looking for a new job or planning a move. Personal background checks give you the opportunity to preview what employers and landlords might see so you can anticipate questions and review the report for errors or inaccuracies.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?
Many people mistakenly think that United States criminal records automatically clear after 7 years. This is inaccurate. However, after 5 to 10 years, you may be eligible for expungement, depending on state law. At that point, you can file a petition with the court to have your criminal record expunged.
What shows up on a doj live scan?
A livescan background check will typically check for criminal history at the state and national levels. This includes any past convictions or arrests, as well as any outstanding warrants. It may also check for any sex offender registry information.