What is the clean slate program in California?
Asked by: Dr. Pierre Daugherty V | Last update: December 26, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (40 votes)
The Clean Slate Program is dedicated to helping our clients clean up their prior records and eliminate the barriers to employment, housing, education, and public benefits caused by prior convictions. Fill out the forms below to see if you qualify to have your record cleared.
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.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in California?
California prohibits CRAs from reporting convictions older than seven years under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7). This law also prohibits CRAs from reporting arrests not leading to convictions even if they occurred within the last seven years, but pending cases can be reported.
What crimes 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.
What is the new California expungement law in 2024?
Starting in July 2024, non-serious, non-violent, and non-sexual felony convictions will be automatically sealed from public view for those who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free for four years. This eliminates the need for legal representation and streamlines the process for many Californians.
Fresno County's Clean Slate Program
How much does it cost to have your record expunged in California?
Misdemeanor Expungements $900* Misdemeanor DUI Expungement $1,075. Felony Expungement $1,200* (includes a reduction to a misdemeanor when eligible) Sealing of Juvenile or Diversion Records: $3,500.
Do California background checks go past 7 years?
State Laws on Conviction Time Periods
Many states have statutes that further limit the information CRAs can include on a background screening report, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process. According to the California Civil Code, for example, convictions can only go back seven years.
Can I expunge my record myself in California?
Eligible persons may be able to expunge their criminal records by petitioning the Superior Court of the county where the conviction occurred. To do this, petitioners begin by printing and completing the Petition for Dismissal Form for each conviction. Note that some counties have separate forms for this purpose.
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.
Can I file for expungement without a lawyer?
You can do it yourself, but it is better to hire a lawyer. You want it done right the first time, and the process can be confusing for laypeople. It's best to hire a professional to do the work for you.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in California?
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.
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.
What is the Fresh Start Act in California?
With the Fresh Start Act, California is enacting a policy that prioritizes our collective health and safety by enabling every Californian to contribute to our state and its economy, not perpetuating the leftover harm from failed criminal justice system policies of the past that voters have repeatedly rejected.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
What is the eraser law in California?
SB 568, dubbed California's “Internet Eraser Law,” aims to protect California minors from certain online threats through two provisions. The first provision prohibits operators of websites from advertising certain products or services to minors.
How can I get my record expunged in California for free?
- 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.
- Submit petitions if eligible. In about 2-6 weeks, the Public Defender or legal aid will contact you. ...
- Receive decision.
What is the 50% rule in California?
The “Fifty Percent Law” (50% Law), as defined in Education Code Section 84362 and California Code of Regulations Section 59200 et seq., requires each district to spend at least half of its current expense of education each fiscal year for salaries and benefits of classroom instructors.
What is the new expungement law in California in 2024?
A bill that was signed in 2022 to allow California residents to get relief for various types of arrest and criminal records goes into effect on October 1, 2024.
What convictions can stop you from getting a job?
Theft/Shoplifting – Any conviction involving an element of dishonesty or stealing is a huge red flag for employers. They may worry you could steal from the company. Drug Possession – Even a minor marijuana possession charge can disqualify you from many jobs, especially those involving operating vehicles or machinery.
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in California?
Expunged Criminal Records Can Appear in CA Background Checks | Cardoza Law Corporation.
Can you record in your own home California?
While inside your own home, you cannot place a video recording device in a place where a person will have a “reasonable expectation” of privacy.
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 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.
What is the 7 year rule in California?
It is illegal for a commercial background check to include: a conviction for which you have received a pardon; arrest, indictment, information, or misdemeanor complaint from which a conviction did not result; sealed, dismissed, expunged, or statutorily eradicated convictions; or convictions that are more than 7-years ...
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.