Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records in California

In the State of California, a criminal record contains details of a person's previous arrests, charges, and convictions. The term "criminal record" refers to databases of criminal case files provided by the clerks of California Courts. These records are available for almost everyone unless stated otherwise by law. While some criminal records are protected by statute, eligible individuals in California can also seal or expunge their records. Such sealed or expunged criminal records may remain accessible to specific law enforcement agencies and a few other agencies.

The Difference Between Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records

While both sealing and expunction mean that a record is removed from the public's right of access, they have striking differences. In California, sealing a criminal record, as codified in Penal Code §851.91, Penal Code §851.8, and the new Penal Code 851.87, refers to automatic removal and destruction of a person's arrest record…" as a matter of right". This means that the person was exonerated and deemed factually innocent in court. Conditions under which a person may have their arrest records sealed by right include when:

• The prosecuting agency never filed a criminal charge.
• Criminal charges were filed but were later dismissed due to errors and a lack of evidence.
• The accused was tried and found "not guilty" in a jury trial.
• The defendant has successfully completed a pre-sentencing program or pretrial diversion; or
• The defendant's conviction was overturned on appeal to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal (see Penal Code 1000 - deferred entry of judgment).

Those who have been arrested and/or convicted in the past for domestic, child, or elderly abuse are excluded from sealing their records as a matter of right. Even then, arrest records may still be sealed in such cases if a judge determines that doing so is in the best interest of justice.

On the other hand, expungement is described under Penal Code 1203.4 PC to include the process of petitioning a California court to withdraw any guilty plea, re-enter a plea of "not guilty", and dismiss a criminal case. In the state, expunction is a privilege that relieves an individual from the otherwise negative impact of having a criminal record in the public domain. Because there is no true expungement in California, the state also refers to it as dismissal or cleaning of records. Expunged conviction records typically show "dismissed" when requested. Those eligible for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 may include misdemeanor or felony convictions for which:

• The defendant has successfully completed probation or has obtained an early termination of probation.
• The defendant is not currently charged with a criminal offense, is not on probation for a criminal offense, and is not serving a sentence for a criminal offense.
• The ex-convict was not sent to California State Prison.

How to Seal a Criminal Record in California

California only permits the sealing of arrests that did not result in convictions or of convictions that appellate courts overruled. Those who are not eligible to seal their records under the new Penal Code 851.87 include:

• Those who may still be charged with other crimes for which the arrest was made, according to Penal Code 851.91(a)(2)(A);
• Those arrested for unsolved murder or another crime for which there is no statute of limitations;
• Those that were not charged because they intentionally evaded prosecution or absconded from the jurisdiction as stipulated under Penal Code 851.91(a)(2)(C);
• Those who evaded efforts to prosecute the arrest through identity theft and were later charged with identity fraud as dictated by Penal Code 851.91(a)(2)(D).

To seal a criminal record in California, eligible persons generally take the following steps:

Step 1: Seek Legal Advice

First, hire an attorney to help in the petitioning process. Those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer should refer to the Public Defender's Office for help.

Step 2: Collect Relevant Information

The information required to successfully file a petition to seal a criminal record in California includes:

• The petitioner's biodata, including name, birth date, and address
• The date the arrest in question occurred
• The name and location of the law enforcement agency that fulfilled the arrest
• The city and county where the arrest occurred
• Arrest number or Court case number
• Outline of alleged offense or charges following the arrest
• A written statement stating the petitioner's entitlement to have the record sealed. That is, either as a matter of right or in the best interest of justice.
• An additional statement stating how granting the sealing of the record serves the best interest of justice, and also declarations in support (if the petition is based on justice's interests)

Step 3: Seek Relief From the Arresting or Prosecuting Agency

If charges were never filed, petition the arresting agency for relief as contained in Penal Code § 851.8. To do this, complete the Petition to Seal and Destroy Adult Arrest Records Form and then take it to the District Attorney's Office or to the office of the county/city prosecuting agency. Proceed to step 3b below if charges were filed or the petition was denied.

Step 4: File a Petition at the Court

Visit the courthouse where the charges based on the arrest were filed to officially file a petition for free. If charges were never filed, go to the courthouse located in the county or city where the arrest took place to file a petition. For reference, see San Diego County's Petition Form SDSC. In the practical sense, this filing is typically made within 2 years from the time of arrest or the time of filing of charges, as stipulated under prior Penal Code § 851.8. However, filing under the new Penal Code § 851.87 does not limit petitioning to any specific time frame.

Make sure to serve the petition on either the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or to the District Attorney of the county or city where the arrest occurred. Servings generally take place no later than 10 days prior to the hearing of the petition.

Step 5: Attend the Court Hearing

Generally, within 30 days of petitioning the court, the court notifies the arresting or prosecuting agency. The court has the duty of scheduling a court hearing if the District Attorney decides to contest the petition. At this point, check the local courthouse guidelines to determine whether the defense attorney's presence is enough or it's compulsory to appear in court. Under Penal Code § 851.8, the petitioner bears the burden of proving their factual innocence. The New Senate Bill 393, codified as Penal Code § 851.87, transfers the burden of proof to the prosecutor to prove that the petitioner is not qualified to seal their records as a matter of right.

At the judge's discretion, the motion may be denied or granted. If granted, the court notifies the record's custodians to update the status of the record. Usually, the record's custodians include the California Department of Justice, the arresting county or city police department, the Sheriff, as well as the particular law enforcement that issued the master criminal record.

What Crimes Can Be Expunged in California?

According to California's Penal Code § 1203.4, most misdemeanors and some felony records are eligible for dismissal/expunction. Those qualified for expunction or dismissal include:

• Defendants who were put on probation
• Defendants who have completed their probation or were offered early termination
• Defendants who attended all required court appearances (in person or through their lawyers)
• Defendants who did not commit new crimes while on probation
• Defendants who are not currently serving a sentence for another crime
• Defendants who are not currently charged with any other crime
• Defendants who paid all stipulated fines and restitution fees
• Defendants who were not convicted of sodomy against a child, as stated by Penal Code 280(c) PC
• Defendants who were not involved in lewd acts with a child as dictated under Penal Code 288 PC
• Defendants who committed statutory rape as stated in Penal Code 261.5(d)

As authorized by Penal Code § 1203.4a, individuals charged with misdemeanors are eligible for expungement if they have stayed 1 year post-conviction, even if they were sentenced and probation was not granted. Petitions may be denied if the petitioner has new charges or is on probation for a new crime.

Note: Ex-offenders who served time in state prisons are not eligible for expungement. However, defendants who would have been sent to county jail had their crimes been committed after 2011's Proposition 47 Realignment Legislation can have their records expunged. Other ineligible ex-offenders may apply for a certificate of rehabilitation, if applicable, or request directly the Governor's Pardon as dictated under Penal Code sections 4800-4813, 4852.01-4854 PC.

Can a Felony be Expunged in California?

Some felony convictions are eligible for expungement in the state of California. The law allows individuals to petition the court and have certain felony convictions dismissed under California Penal Code § 1203.4. When an expungement order is granted, the sentence is set aside and replaced with a dismissal. This allows the individual to be able to lawfully say to a potential employer or anyone else that they have never been convicted. However, an expungement order does not completely erase the record, as law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing agencies can still access it.

Expungement is generally available if:

• Probation has been completed.
• The felony could have been charged as a misdemeanor (“wobbler”) and was reduced to a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17(b).
• The sentence was served in the county jail with probation conditions satisfied.

Whilst expungement is not available for:

• Felonies that resulted in a state prison sentence (unless reclassified under resentencing reforms).
• Specific sex offenses involving children.
• Serious and violent crimes are explicitly excluded by statute.

There is no fixed waiting period once probation or sentencing terms are complete, but all fines, restitution, and conditions must be satisfied first. Judges have discretion, meaning even if eligibility is met, they may deny a petition. Courts review rehabilitation efforts, the seriousness of the offense, and compliance with sentencing.

How to Expunge Criminal Records 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. As such, be sure to contact the applicable court clerk to inquire about their local filing, serving guidelines, mailing address, number of copies to be submitted, etc. After this, courts typically schedule a hearing.

Generally, the courts do not charge fees for filing the petition. However, the court may order a reimbursement fee of up to $150 for each charge/petition, irrespective of whether the petition was granted or denied. The fees may be waived for those who are financially unable to cover the costs.

Given that third-party access to sealed records is prohibited, owners of such records are within the law to claim that they have never been arrested for a crime. Note that law enforcement agencies, during the course of their duty, may be able to view and obtain copies of these records.

Do Sealed Records Show up In California Background Checks?

No. Sealed criminal records in California typically do not return any match after a background check, unless the requester is a member of law enforcement. This is because sealed arrest records are automatically removed and destroyed "as a matter of right".

Expunged criminal conviction records may still be available to certain employers and licensing agencies. California refers to expungement as "cleaning of records" because there is no true expunction in the state. The general effect of cleaning a record is to dismiss and reduce the otherwise negative impact of such records and not to completely eliminate them.

Who Can See Sealed Criminal Records in California?

Sealed arrest records under California Penal Code § 851.87 PC are only available to owners of the records and members of law enforcement.

On the other hand, criminal conviction records expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 are available to law enforcement and some other agencies when:

• It is needed for sex offender registration
• Applying for immigration
• Running for public office
• Seeking employment as a peace officer
• Contracting with the State Lottery Commission (CLC)
• Requesting a license, eg, a Gun license

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in California?

Filing for expungement in California normally requires paying court fees, which range between $120 and $150 depending on the county. However, individuals who cannot afford these fees may request a fee waiver. If granted, the waiver removes the costs for filing and administrative processing, allowing applicants to pursue expungement at no charge.

Even if filing is waived, there may still be other small costs, such as:

• Certified court copies of records,
• Mailing and document fees,
• Optional attorney services (not required)

Individuals can avoid significant costs by following these steps:

• Determine eligibility.
• Acquire relevant court documents.
• Fill out a “Petition for dismissal ” (Form CR-180) and file it in the court where the case was handled.
• Attend a hearing where a judge will rule on the petition, if necessary.

Before an applicant can file, the following is required:

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Case number and court location of conviction
• Conviction date and charges,
• Proof of sentence completion (including probation or parole, payment of fines/restoration of rights)

This information can be obtained from the county clerk’s office or the California Courts’ criminal records system.

How to Obtain Sealed Records in California

Again, unentitled persons require a court order to view and obtain a sealed arrest record. To do this:

• File a motion to unseal the record at the courthouse
• Serve the motion on all parties in the case
• Attend the scheduled hearing (if applicable )
• Provide evidence on why unsealing the record is in the best interest of justice.
• At the judge's discretion, the request may be granted or denied

Under Penal Code 851.91, the unlawful release of a sealed arrest record attracts a civil penalty between $500 and $2,500, depending on the violation.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. Operating independently of any federal, state, or local agency, such websites may simplify the search process as they are not limited by geographic location. In addition, third-party sites typically have search engines that can be used for filtering specific or multiple records. To use third-party or government websites, interested parties may need to provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that the person resides in or was accused in

However, third-party sites are independent of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability cannot be guaranteed.