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Clearing Your Record in California: What You Should Know About Sealing and Expungement
If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime in California, you already know how much it can follow you. Maybe you’ve been turned down for a job, denied housing, or felt judged by a simple background check. It’s frustrating—and unfair—especially if you've already done everything the system asked of you.
But there are ways to take back control. California offers two legal paths that can help: sealing your record or expunging it. While they sound similar, they work differently—and choosing the right one for your situation matters.
Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Legal Options
What Does It Mean to Seal a Record?
Sealing a record means making it invisible to most background checks. If your record is sealed, it won’t show up when employers, landlords, or schools run your name. In many ways, it’s like the record never existed.
In California, sealing is typically available if you were arrested but never convicted, or if your case was dismissed. In some cases, juveniles and individuals involved in diversion programs also qualify.
Still, not every record can be sealed. Serious charges involving violence or harm might be excluded. But if your case meets the criteria, sealing can give you the second chance you deserve.
How Is Expungement Different?
Expungement is about clearing a conviction from your record. If granted, your guilty plea or verdict is withdrawn, and the case is dismissed. That means you can legally say you were never convicted—on job applications, rental forms, and more.
California law (specifically Penal Code 1203.4) allows expungement for people who completed probation and aren’t facing new charges. But expungement doesn’t wipe the slate entirely. Law enforcement and licensing boards may still access it, and it can still count as a prior offense in future cases.
Even so, expungement can make a huge difference in your future.
Who Qualifies for Sealing or Expungement?
Sealing Eligibility
You might be eligible to seal your record if:
You were arrested but never convicted
Charges were dismissed or not filed
You completed a pretrial diversion program
You were a juvenile offender who completed your court orders
Sealing is about proving you’ve moved on from the incident. The court will want to see signs of rehabilitation—like steady employment, no further arrests, or community involvement. The stronger your record since the incident, the better your chances.
Expungement Eligibility
You could qualify for expungement if:
You were convicted of a misdemeanor or certain felonies
You completed your probation successfully
You're not currently on probation or facing new charges
However, not all convictions are eligible. Some sex crimes and serious violent offenses are excluded. The details matter—and so does the paperwork.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, talk to an attorney who handles record-clearing cases. One conversation could be the start of real change.
How the Process Works
Steps to Seal a Record
Gather your paperwork – court documents, police records, proof of case dismissal, etc.
Fill out a Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records
File it with the appropriate court
Attend a hearing if necessary
Wait for the judge’s decision
At the hearing, you may need to explain why sealing your record is in the interest of justice. Having character letters, employment records, or proof of rehabilitation can help make your case stronger.
Steps to Get an Expungement
Confirm eligibility under Penal Code 1203.4
Collect your court and probation records
Complete a Petition for Dismissal
File it with the court
Prepare for a hearing (if scheduled)
A judge will review your conduct during probation, along with any post-conviction efforts to turn your life around. Be prepared to show you’ve stayed out of trouble and are working to rebuild.
Both processes take time—but they’re worth it.
What Happens After?
Life After Sealing
Once your record is sealed, it won’t show up in most background checks. That means fewer rejections and more peace of mind when applying for work, housing, or loans.
That said, sealed records can still be seen by certain agencies—like law enforcement or licensing boards. It’s not a total erase, but it’s a major relief for most people trying to move forward.
Life After Expungement
After an expungement, you can legally say you’ve never been convicted of that crime—unless you're applying for certain government positions or state licenses.
However, the conviction may still appear in limited databases. And if you’re ever charged with another crime, the expunged conviction can sometimes be used to enhance sentencing.
Still, for most people, expungement provides real, practical benefits—and relief from the stigma of a criminal record.
Clearing Your Record Starts with the Right Help
If you’ve been living under the weight of a criminal record—whether from an arrest, a dismissed case, or an old conviction—you deserve a chance to clear your name and move forward.
At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, we help people across California seal or expunge their criminal records. We’ll explain your options, guide you through the legal process, and stand by your side in court. The law gives you the right to leave the past behind. Let’s use it.
Call (844) 285-9559 today to speak with a criminal defense attorney and find out if you qualify to seal or expunge your record.