{"id":371873,"date":"2017-05-04T11:34:00","date_gmt":"2017-05-04T16:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-los-angeles.html"},"modified":"2017-05-04T11:34:00","modified_gmt":"2017-05-04T16:34:00","slug":"how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-los-angeles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-los-angeles.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Expunge a Criminal Record in Los Angeles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Expunge a Criminal Record in Los Angeles<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

You’ve cleaned up your act. You’re off probation, stopped hanging out with the "wrong crowd," and your back in school. Now, the only thing lingering over you is your criminal record. You’ve changed and you want the world to know it. What can you do?<\/p>\r\n

If you were convicted of a crime in Los Angeles, under certain circumstances you can petition the court for an expungement<\/a> of your record under California Penal Code section 1203.4<\/a>. Here at FindLaw we’ve compiled some information that may assist you.<\/p>\r\n

An Important Point about Expungement in California<\/h2>\r\n

The word "expungement" is a bit misleading. "Dismissal" is a better term to describe what will happen if the court grants your petition under P.C. 1203.4. Why? An expungement implies that a record of your criminal conviction is completely erased. That won’t happen in California. Rather, your conviction record will be updated to reflect that the guilty plea was withdrawn, a "not guilty" plea was entered in its place, probation was terminated, and the case has been "dismissed."<\/p>\r\n

If someone does a background check on you, even after a dismissal, they still may see that a conviction took place. But they will also see that it was later successfully dismissed.<\/p>\r\n

What are the benefits of a dismissal?<\/h2>\r\n

There are numerous benefits to getting your conviction dismissed. When applying for a job in the private sector, you can lawfully answer "no" if asked whether you’ve has been convicted of a crime. However, to be safe you may wish to answer "Yes – Conviction Dismissed." If you are applying for a state license such as a contractor’s or real estate license, you still have to disclose it. Basically, you are allowed to get a government license, but you are obliged to provide information about your conviction and the eventual "expungement" while applying for it.<\/p>\r\n

Keep in mind that if you are arrested and or charged with a new crime, the "expunged" convictions can be used against you in sentencing. In addition, on all government forms, you must reveal (upon request) your expunged criminal convictions, and you will still not be able to possess a firearm. Your criminal history will still show your conviction even after your records are expunged, which will be open to the FBI and other governmental bodies.<\/p>\r\n

Can all California convictions be set aside?<\/h2>\r\n

No, but most can. Here’s how you wouldn’t be eligible:<\/p>\r\n