Is expungement worth it California?

Asked by: Keely Goyette  |  Last update: March 2, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (12 votes)

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.

Will an expunged record show up on a 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 your record to clear after expungement 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.

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 crimes cannot be expunged in California?

Some specific crimes cannot be expunged regardless of whether a person fulfilled his or her probation terms, including:
  • Child pornography crimes.
  • Certain sexual assault crimes.
  • Committing lewd acts with a minor.
  • Failure to submit to a police inspection of vehicle.

What is an Expungement (PC 1203.4) in California? | California Expungement Lawyer

39 related questions found

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 are the benefits of expungement in California?

Five Important Benefits of a California Expungement
  • Assistance with finding a job;
  • Help with obtaining professional licenses;
  • Assistance with joining professional organizations;
  • Preventing the past conviction from being used to impeach your credibility in certain court proceedings; and.
  • Personal satisfaction.

Can you answer no if your record is expunged in California?

Following a successful expungement, if a potential employer asks if you have ever been convicted you can honestly answer “no”. Keep in mind, though, that background checks typically go back 10 years, and employers can see that you had a conviction dismissed. Answering "No" may look dishonest.

How can I get my record expunged in California for free?

How do I apply?
  1. 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.
  2. Submit petitions if eligible. In about 2-6 weeks, the Public Defender or legal aid will contact you. ...
  3. Receive decision.

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.

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 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.

Who can see your record after expungement?

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 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.

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.

Can employers see expunged records in California?

This means that for a vast majority of the jobs you will be applying for, your expunged conviction will NOT be visible to your potential employer and you have no duty to disclose any convictions that have been expunged, which necessarily drastically increases your marketability.

Can you reverse an expungement?

A Type of Dismissal

Instead, it is used to clear defendants' records after sentencing. In most states, an expungement would not be reversed because the defendant already served their sentence.

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.

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.

How much does it cost to expunge a criminal record in California?

The Court charges a fee for filing each dismissal/expungement petition. The fee is currently $120 for each felony case and $60 for each misdemeanor case. There is no filing fee for dismissing/expunging infractions.

What is the second chance law in California?

In California, the “2nd Chance Law” refers to a set of laws and initiatives that aim to provide individuals who have been convicted of a crime with the opportunity to have their criminal records sealed or expunged.

Will my expunged record show up on a live scan in California?

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.

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 far back does DOJ background check go in California?

California's Seven-Year Lookback Rule

California includes a seven-year restriction on the reporting of convictions within the ICRAA.