What is the clean slate program in California?
Asked by: Ms. Autumn Pacocha | Last update: October 2, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (62 votes)
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?
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.
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?
How Far Back do Employment Background Checks go in California? In California, criminal convictions can only be reported for 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.
Does a felony 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.
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 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.
Does a felony go away after 7 years in California?
Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.
What is the eraser law in California?
The second provi- sion, the source of the law's “eraser” nickname, requires operators of web- sites to allow minors to remove content posted on the website unless the content is anonymized, was posted by a third party, or is required to be maintained by other provisions of law.
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.
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.
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.
What rights do felons lose in California?
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.
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in California?
Expunged Criminal Records Can Appear in CA Background Checks | Cardoza Law Corporation.
What is the new law in California for expungement?
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 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 new law for background checks in California?
Enacted in 2018, California's Fair Chance Act generally prohibits employers, with five or more employees, from asking a job candidate about their conviction history before making a conditional job offer.
What is the 7 year rule in California?
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.”