If you were convicted of an infraction, misdemeanor, or certain felony offenses and were not sentenced to California state prison (or otherwise qualify under current California law), you may be eligible for an expungement. Whether you received county jail time, probation, a fine, or a combination of these penalties, the court may allow your conviction to be dismissed.

When an expungement is granted, the court sets aside the conviction and updates your record to show the case as dismissed. The dismissal is then reported to the California Department of Justice and reflected in many public record databases.

An expungement can provide meaningful benefits when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Under California Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from asking about arrests that did not result in a conviction, and California law limits how certain dismissed convictions may be considered during the hiring process. While there are exceptions, an expungement can significantly improve your opportunities and help you move forward with confidence.

At Nor Cal Criminal Law, we help clients throughout Chico, Butte County, Glenn County, Tehama County, Plumas County, and Northern California determine whether they qualify for an expungement and guide them through every step of the record-clearing process. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.

How a California Expungement Can Help

A California expungement can provide meaningful benefits for your career, professional licensing, and future opportunities. While an expungement does not erase your criminal record, it updates your court record to show that your conviction has been dismissed under California law.

Professional Licensing

Many people worry that a past conviction will prevent them from obtaining a professional license. Under California Business and Professions Code § 480, a conviction that has been dismissed may not be the sole reason for denying certain professional licenses. If you are applying for a license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs or another licensing agency, an expungement may improve your opportunities. Because every licensing board has its own requirements, it's important to understand how your specific profession is affected.

Employment Benefits

An expungement can also improve employment opportunities. Under California Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from asking about arrests that did not result in a conviction, and California law limits how certain dismissed convictions may be considered during the hiring process.

If you are applying for a government job or professional license and are asked about prior convictions, you may still be required to disclose a dismissed conviction. However, you can also indicate that the conviction has been dismissed under California law.

Important Limitations

Although an expungement provides significant benefits, there are important limitations to understand:

• An expungement does not automatically restore firearm rights.
• A dismissed conviction may still be considered in certain future criminal proceedings.
• A conviction may still affect your driving privileges in some circumstances.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction may have immigration consequences. You should also consult an experienced immigration attorney regarding your immigration status.

Early Termination of Probation

If you are currently on probation, you may be eligible to petition the court for early termination of probation under California Penal Code § 1203.3. Judges may grant early termination when probation has been successfully completed, the interests of justice are served, and there is evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct.

Early termination of probation may allow you to pursue an expungement sooner and can remove barriers to employment, military service, professional licensing, and other opportunities.

At Nor Cal Criminal Law, we have successfully helped clients seek early termination of probation and expungement when appropriate. Every case is unique, and eligibility depends on the facts of your case and current California law.

If you're ready to move forward, contact Nor Cal Criminal Law today for a free consultation to discuss your options.