What is the new California expungement law 2024?
Asked by: Jeff Pfannerstill | Last update: December 6, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (20 votes)
California's Senate Bill 731 (SB731) was signed into law back in 2022 but was not scheduled to go into effect until October 1, 2024. It was written to help residents get various records sealed or expunged and prevent an array of adverse actions.
What convictions cannot be expunged in California?
Key Takeaways. Charges that cannot be expunged: Murder, attempted murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, serious sex crimes, serious violent crimes, certain domestic violence crimes, felonies committed while on probation, and some traffic offenses cannot be expunged from your record.
Did SB 731 pass in California?
[ Approved by Governor September 29, 2022. Filed with Secretary of State September 29, 2022. ]
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.
How can I get my criminal 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.
Some California criminal records may be expunged
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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to get your record expunged 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?
This reform offers a fresh start for many Golden Staters who have served their time and are committed to rebuilding their lives. Senate Bill 731 went into effect in mid-2023 providing Californians with most kinds of felony convictions, including violent crimes, the opportunity to ask for their records to be cleared.
What is SB 6 California?
SB 6 aims to simplify the process of building homes, particularly for middle-income families, in areas where offices and commercial uses are commonly found.
When was SB 54 passed in California?
[ Approved by Governor June 30, 2022. Filed with Secretary of State June 30, 2022. ]
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in California?
Expunged Criminal Records Can Appear in CA Background Checks | Cardoza Law Corporation.
Do felonies go away after 10 years?
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. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
How do I know if I qualify for SB 731?
Here are the main eligibility criteria to get your criminal records automatically sealed under SB 731: You were convicted of a non-violent, non-serious, and non-sexual offense (e.g., drug possession, theft, fraud, etc.). You completed your sentence four years ago, including any probation or parole requirements.
What is the California 7 year rule?
Section 2855(a) limits the term of personal service employment to seven years, i.e. a personal service employment contract may not be enforced for a period exceeding seven years. This is the reason the statute is famously known as the “Seven Year Rule.”
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 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 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.
What qualifies for expungement in California?
Generally, you qualify for an expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 if you: committed a felony or misdemeanor and were not incarcerated in the California state prison, fulfilled the terms of your probation, and.
Can I own a gun after expungement in California?
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.
What is the new law sealing criminal records in California?
California's Clean Slate Act, or AB 1076 or penal code 1076, automatically seals some arrest records and dismisses some criminal convictions. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2019, started on Jan 1, 2021. People who qualify for this relief do not need to do anything to clear their records.
Does Canada recognize California expungement?
Expungement under California Penal Code section §1203.4 is the main avenue to clear your record so that you can travel to Canada with a criminal record.
How long does a felony stay on your record in California?
A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway. Rather than the federal courts, state courts handle the expungement process.