How to expunge a felony in California?
Asked by: Dr. Meghan Pagac MD | Last update: July 11, 2026Score: 5/5 (75 votes)
To expunge a felony in California (officially a "Petition for Dismissal"), you must have completed your sentence, served no state prison time or served time in county jail, and not be facing new charges. Under SB 731, most felonies are eligible if you have been off supervision for two years. The process involves filing Form CR-180 with the court, which then dismisses the conviction and updates your record.
What felonies cannot be expunged in CA?
In California, most felonies can be expunged, but exceptions exist for serious, violent, and certain sex crimes. Non-expungable felonies generally include crimes requiring lifetime sex offender registration (e.g., Penal Code 288), murder, some cases of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and specific violent felonies, particularly those involving prison time without successful completion of probation.
How much is it to get a felony expunged in California?
Infraction Expungement $900* Misdemeanor Expungements $900* Misdemeanor DUI Expungement $1,075. Felony Expungement $1,200* (includes a reduction to a misdemeanor when eligible)
Are you still a felon after 20 years?
No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon. The seven-year rule applies only to certain employment reporting restrictions, not record existence.
What is the new law for felons in California?
California's Clean Slate Law. Signed into law in September 2022, California's Clean Slate Law (Senate Bill 731) will have key provisions enforced starting July 1, 2024. SB 731 is a legislative measure aimed at providing automatic relief for individuals with certain criminal records.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
How long does a felony stay on record in California?
A felony conviction in California typically stays on your record indefinitely—often until the subject turns 100—unless action is taken to have it dismissed or sealed. However, under California's Clean Slate Act (SB 731) and Prop 47, many records for non-violent/non-sex offenses are now eligible for automatic sealing four years after sentence completion.
What is the 7 year rule in California?
The "California 7-year rule" generally refers to state laws (under the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act) that prohibit third-party background check companies from reporting certain negative information about a consumer that is older than seven years.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in California?
If you have an old felony conviction on your record in California, you might wonder if it will still appear on background checks. The short answer is yes, a felony stays on your record unless you take action to remove it. In California, criminal convictions don't disappear on their own.
Can a felon get a passport?
A passport is a federal ID, and some convictions or unresolved legal issues can affect approval. Many felons can still qualify if they've completed their sentence, probation, or parole, have no active warrants, and have resolved fines or child-support obligations.
How do I remove a felony from my record in California?
To request dismissal, use form CR-430. You should also include form CR-431 (which the court will forward to the California Department of Corrections or the appropriate county authority to confirm your successful participation) and form CR-432 (which the judge will use to grant or deny your request).
What is the clean slate program in California?
California's Clean Slate programs and laws allow individuals with eligible arrest records and criminal convictions to have their records sealed or dismissed. This process helps remove background check barriers for housing, employment, and professional licensing. Relief can occur automatically through state mandate or by petitioning the court.
What crimes are automatically expunged in California?
Under California's laws, three types of records are eligible for automatic relief: arrests that do not result in convictions (non-convictions); misdemeanor convictions that do not require registration under California's sex offender registry law; and felony convictions for non-serious, non-violent, and non- ...
How much jail time for a felony in California?
felony (or formal) probation, a term of at least 1 year in state prison, or. at least 16 months in county jail (only for felonies that are not serious, violent, or sexual).
What is the new law in California for expungement?
As of 2026, California's Clean Slate Act (SB 731) extensively expands record relief, making most felony convictions and misdemeanors eligible for automatic, or petition-based, expungement and sealing. It allows for dismissal after sentence completion and 4+ years without new convictions, helping individuals clear records for employment and housing.
Which is better, seal or expunge?
🔎 The Core Difference (Plain English) Sealing hides a criminal record from public view. The record still exists but becomes confidential. Expungement destroys the record held by most agencies, with a limited confidential copy retained by FDLE.
Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?
Yes, you may be able to enter Canada 20 years after a felony conviction, but it is not automatic. While you might be "deemed rehabilitated" after 10+ years (if the offense was not severe), Canada border officials can still deny entry based on the conviction, regardless of how long ago it occurred.
What country will accept felons?
Many countries welcome felons as tourists, provided you have a valid passport and your sentence (including parole or probation) is complete. Popular welcoming destinations include Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Brazil, and Thailand. Certain nations strictly ban individuals with past convictions.
Can a felon go on a cruise?
There is no federal law that prohibits felons from going on cruises.
Can a felon fly on a plane?
Yes, convicted felons can fly on planes. There are no federal laws in the United States that universally prohibit someone with a felony record from flying domestically or internationally.
What is the California 7 year rule?
The "California 7-year rule" generally refers to state laws (under the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act) that prohibit third-party background check companies from reporting certain negative information about a consumer that is older than seven years.
Can you look up felons in California?
Most criminal case records are public in California. You can search for them online, visit the courthouse in person, or send a request by mail. Each court charges its own fees for searches and copies. A name search that takes more than 10 minutes costs about $15.
Will my expunged record show up on a Live Scan in California?
To remove a conviction from a Live Scan background check you must receive an expungement, pardon, or record sealing. Expungement in California does not remove a conviction from your record but instead changes the conviction to a dismissal.
What state is the most felony friendly?
These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
- New Mexico.
- New York.
- Texas.
- Washington.
What is the Clean Slate Act in California?
California's Clean Slate Act (primarily SB 731 and AB 1076) automatically seals eligible arrest and conviction records without requiring individuals to take action. The law enables millions of Californians to have records hidden from most background checks after they complete their sentence and remain crime-free for a set period.
What is the new divorce law in California 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, California introduces a Joint Petition for Dissolution (Senate Bill 1427), allowing couples to file for divorce together as a team rather than using the traditional "Petitioner vs. Respondent" format. This creates a more cooperative, less adversarial process for couples with children or assets.