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<\/div><\/form><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>[vc_cta h2=”Welcome to “How to Expunge My Record!“” h2_font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:justify|color:%23000000″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20italic%3A600%3Aitalic” h4=”Brought to you by Ronnie’s House” h4_font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:justify|color:%23282828″ h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” shape=”square” style=”flat” color=”pink” css_animation=”fadeIn” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1682782988597{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 60px !important;padding-left: 60px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]Welcome to “How to Expunge My Record,” a project that is made possible through the Transforming LA initiative and Ronnie’s House. Ronnie’s House is committed to supporting our justice-impacted communities by offering them the tools and resources to rebuild their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, Ronnie’s House Executive Director Shirin Senegal and civil rights attorney Asha Perrella have researched the new 2022-2023 laws and have broken them down to help you understand the ins and outs of new expungement laws, what they mean, and how they could affect you.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are available to support you through our Know Your Rights legal blogs, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions.<\/span>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

Know Your Rights Legal Blogs<\/h2>
Find out how to clean your record, what the new expungement laws mean for you, and more!\nBy Shirin Senegal, Ronnie's House Executive Director, and Asha Perrella, civil rights attorney.<\/p><\/div>
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More than a Million Californians<\/h4>
California now has most expansive post-conviction relief law in nation\u2019s history; law enhances public safety by enabling people..<\/p><\/div><\/div>
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Fully Customizable<\/h4>
Aenean dictum pharetra nibh, sodales luctus felis aliquet vulputate venenatis orci, a laoreet libero vehicula duis tempor rhoncus quam.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1672672857570{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”332″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeInDown” link=”https:\/\/www.reentrykeys.com\/”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”faq” el_class=”bg-grey wrap-container80 text-center-xs”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”post-heading-center” css=”.vc_custom_1481041366371{margin-bottom: 60px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”New Expungement Laws” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_custom_heading text=”Together, Senate Bills 731 and 1106 give California the broadest record clearance laws in the nation. This, in turn, provides more opportunities for our justice-impacted communities and re-entry communities to change their circumstances with greater possibilities for housing, jobs, higher education, and more.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23777777″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”30″ el_class=”affa-faq text-center-xs”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Q. What is SB-731 and when will it go into effect?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The new Fresh Start Act (SB-731), which takes effect on July 1, 2023, significantly expands expungement eligibility and relief for those who have \u201cserved time.\u201d Similar to AB-1793, this law grants the Department of Justice the ability to automatically review, seal, and\/or expunge a wider range of criminal records if certain criteria are met.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: What is the purpose of SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The Fresh Start Act was passed with the intention of removing barriers to employment, housing, and education enrollment for those who have served time. Historically, the justice-impacted community has faced detrimental obstacles that prevent them from successfully reintegrating into society, which has only furthered socioeconomic and racial inequity. Although it is not a complete solution to erase inequity, the new law provides a way for the justice-impacted community to apply for jobs, apply for housing, and obtain higher education and other training opportunities without the burden of a public criminal record holding them back from achieving a better life<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Who is eligible for relief under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Anyone with an infraction, misdemeanor, felony non-conviction, or felony that is not classified as serious or violent, may be eligible for automatic expungement if they have completed the terms of their sentence (including time served, probation, mandatory supervision, post release community supervision, criminal protective orders, fines, and\/or parole) and do not receive any new criminal convictions 4 years after completion of their sentence. The new law applies regardless of whether someone was incarcerated in a county jail or a state prison. Over 200,000 Californias are currently eligible for automatic expungement under SB-731.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: How long does it take to get your record sealed under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The new law goes into effect immediately on July 1, 2023, and the Department of Justice will automatically begin reviewing all California criminal records and granting automatic relief on a monthly basis thereafter. We do not know yet how long it will take for individuals who are currently eligible to have their records sealed by the DOJ after the new law goes into effect.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Are there any exceptions to receiving automatic relief under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Yes, it is important to note that a prosecutor, probations officer, or the California Department of Corrections may still file a petition with the DOJ to prevent a person from receiving automatic relief if they can prove that the person would pose a \u201csubstantial threat to public safety.\u201d The burden of proof rests on the petitioner, not the person seeking relief.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Can anyone access my criminal record even after it has been sealed under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Yes. Although your records are no longer publicly accessible, it can still be accessed in limited circumstances by law enforcement and government agencies:<\/span><\/p>\n
If you are applying for public office, government jobs, government security clearance, or any job requiring state or local government licensing (including employment as a police officer or as a teacher or school employee)<\/span><\/p>\n
During law enforcement background checks (note: the convictions will appear as dismissed per PC 1203.4)<\/span><\/p>\n
By court order.\u00a0<\/span>By the state justice department<\/span><\/p>\n
Under these circumstances, you must disclose your criminal record upon request (i.e: when you receive a court order or if there is a question asking about your criminal record on an employment application in the sectors described above. Note that you DO NOT need to disclose your criminal record in private sector employment applications.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: If I am not eligible for automatic relief under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act), can I still petition for expungement?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Yes, if you do not meet all of the criteria for expungement, or if you are otherwise eligible aside from a serious and violent felony conviction, you may still submit a petition for expungement to a court. Keep in mind that you will need to complete sentencing requirements, complete probation, pay fines, provide positive reference letters, and show proof of rehabilitation in a narrative letter to successfully petition for expungement.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Am I eligible for a gun permit after my criminal record is expunged or sealed?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Sealing or expunging your criminal record will NOT restore your firearm rights. Even if you have your conviction expunged or sealed, the mandatory 10-year waiting period still applies. The only way this requirement can be lifted is by court order.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: What is SB-1106?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
In 2022 California leaped to the forefront of record clearance law with new legislation to expedite and expand record clearance for eligible individuals. Senate Bill 1106, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 29, 2022, implements significant changes to how outstanding restitution fines and orders are treated during record clearance proceedings. Before this bill, unpaid orders for victim restitution or unpaid restitution fines often barred record clearance, even in situations where record clearance was mandatory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Will I be denied automatic relief under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act) if I have unpaid fines?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Previously, courts had discretion whether to grant or deny parole or probation if a person did not pay off fines or restitution. It is important to note SB-1106 provides that those who have unpaid fines or victim restitution, but meet all other criteria, are still eligible to have their records automatically sealed\/expunged and cannot be denied eligibility because of unpaid fees alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Additionally, payment of fees or restitution are often a condition of probation or parole. Under the new law, unpaid fines or fees can no longer be considered violations of probations or parole, if all other probation requirements are met.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Does SB-1106 eliminate my obligations to pay restitution or other fees altogether?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
No, although unpaid fines or restitution are no longer considered in whether a court will grant or deny completion of probation, parole, or automatic criminal record sealing relief under the Fresh Start Act, restitution and fines may be converted into civil judgments that you are still required to pay. Civil judgements are enforced by wage garnishment, withheld tax refunds, and bank account levies<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Who is NOT eligible for relief under SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act)?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Although the new law provides relief for a wide range of criminal convictions and a large amount of justice-impacted individuals, it does not apply to individuals who are required to register as sex offenders, individuals with federal criminal charges, or individuals who were convicted of a serious and violent felony (under PC sections 1192.7 and 667.5), including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and similar offenses. However, individuals who were convicted of serious and violent felonies are still eligible to submit a petition to a court for expungement.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Am I eligible for any kind of expungement\/record sealing relief if I was convicted of a federal crime?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Not yet. There are currently two bills being considered by Congress and the US House of Representatives, the federal Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act. If passed, both bills would provide relief for federal crimes similar to California\u2019s Fresh Start Act passed this year. Individuals who are potentially eligible include those who have had their convictions dismissed and those who were convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses after successfully completing the terms of their sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: Do I need to check my record or notify anyone to get my record sealed once SB-731 (The Fresh Start Act) takes effect?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
No, the process is automatic and those who are eligible are automatically considered each month beginning in July of this year. However, you can always request a copy of your criminal records (aka \u201crap sheet\u201d) from the California Department of Justice to see if your record has been sealed under the new law, or you can request for information on the status of your eligibility or where you stand in the review process by contacting your county Public Defender\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Q: What is the difference between expunging or sealing a record?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Expungement means that a criminal conviction is legally considered \u201cdismissed.\u201d In other words, a person\u2019s criminal record will reflect that they were convicted of a crime, but the charges were ultimately dismissed. Sealing a record means that a person\u2019s criminal record relating to the conviction in question is no longer accessible to the public. However, sealed records may still be accessed by law enforcement and by court order. Obtaining both means that a person\u2019s criminal record is virtually destroyed, because not only does a person\u2019s criminal record reflect a dismissal of a criminal conviction, but a person\u2019s criminal record relating to the now-sealed conviction is also no longer publicly accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”375″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeInDown” link=”https:\/\/www.reentrykeys.com\/”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1675157764789{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #0d1720 !important;}” el_id=”newslettersignup”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”336″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1672759903436{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Subscribe Now to Our Re-entry Keys Newsletter!” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1675398235849{margin-top: 70px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Receive additional re-entry support, resources, and updates!” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1675397979044{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Welcome to “How to Expunge My Record!“” h2_font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:justify|color:%23000000″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20italic%3A600%3Aitalic” h4=”Brought to you by Ronnie’s House” h4_font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:justify|color:%23282828″ h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” shape=”square” style=”flat” color=”pink” css_animation=”fadeIn” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1682782988597{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 60px !important;padding-left: 60px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]Welcome to “How to Expunge My Record,” a project that is made possible through the Transforming LA initiative and Ronnie’s House. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"one-page-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-502","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=502"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":595,"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502\/revisions\/595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/howtoexpungemyrecord.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

How to Expunge My Record<\/h1>

Let's help you get a fresh start in 2023!<\/h4><\/div>
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How to Expunge My Record<\/h1>

More than a Million Californians<\/h4>California now has most expansive post-conviction relief law in nation\u2019s history; law enhances public safety by enabling people..<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Best Things to Do In London<\/h4>Aenean dictum pharetra nibh, sodales luctus felis aliquet vulputate venenatis orci, a laoreet libero vehicula duis tempor rhoncus quam.<\/p><\/div><\/div>