How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?
Asked by: Hollie Medhurst | Last update: September 2, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.
How do I know 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. 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 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.
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 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 TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
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.
Which crimes have no statute of limitations under CA law?
Crimes That Do Not Have a Statute of Limitations
spousal rape that involves force or violence; murder in the first degree; treason; aggravated sexual assault of a child (up until the victim turns 40);
How long does it take to clear a criminal record in Canada?
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.
How far back do most criminal 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.
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 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.
Do investigations show up on background checks?
Depends how deep the background check is but in most cases no.
What government agencies 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)
Will an expunged record show up on a level 2 background check?
Typically, live scans cover criminal convictions within the last seven years, except for certain law enforcement roles that may require a more in-depth review, such as a Level 2 FBI check. The latter can expose all details on your record, including expunged records.
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.
Can expunged records be used in custody cases?
Ultimately, criminal convictions can be used against individuals in family law courts with complex family law issues like child custody disputes, divorce settlements, alimony negotiations, and more. While an expungement can seal away records from background checks, prior convictions still matter.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
How far back does Canada check your criminal record?
Understanding Border Checks
Canadian border officials can access criminal record databases from the USA. This means there is no limit to how far back they can look when assessing a traveler's background.
What looks bad on a background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
How much does it cost to clear your criminal record in Canada?
Depending on the length and seriousness of your criminal record, expect to pay between $1500-$3000 for a Criminal Record Suspension. This includes fees to courts, police, Pardon Applications of Canada, fingerprinting, and the government of Canada's filing fee which is currently $50.
Which is better, a pardon or expungement?
If you are pardoned for an offense, the government "forgives" you for your crime—but depending on the state, your criminal record may not be erased. On the other hand, if your record is expunged, it is "forgotten" for most purposes and likely sealed from public view.
Can Canada see expunged records?
Can I Visit Canada with a Criminal Record That Has Been Expunged? Even if a criminal record has been sealed or expunged in the United States, it will typically still be visible to the CBSA.
What crimes don't have statute of limitations in Canada?
Canada. Summary conviction offences have a limitation period of 12 months. Indictable (serious) offences such as fraud, serious theft, murder, kidnapping, arson, bribery, perjury, do not have a limitation period. A defendant can be charged at any future date.
What is the longest you can wait to sue someone?
There are no general rules related to the time period to file a case. However, you almost always have at least a year to file a civil lawsuit. Depending on the type of case or civil action, it could be much longer. Different statutes of limitations apply to different types of cases and causes of action.