A criminal record can create long-lasting barriers to employment, housing, education, and professional licensing—even long after someone has completed their sentence. Recognizing this, California has enacted some of the most progressive record-relief laws in the country. These reforms are commonly known as the California Clean Slate Law.
The Clean Slate Law allows eligible arrest and conviction records to be automatically sealed after certain conditions are met—without requiring most people to file paperwork, go to court, or pay legal fees. For Californians, this law provides a powerful opportunity to move forward with a cleaner record and a renewed future.
This guide explains what the California Clean Slate Law is, how it works, who qualifies, what records are covered, what “automatic sealing” really means, and when legal help may still be beneficial.
What Is the California Clean Slate Law?
The California Clean Slate Law refers to a group of laws that require the state to automatically review and seal eligible criminal records after a person completes their sentence and remains law-abiding for a specified period of time.
In the past, people had to petition the court to dismiss or seal their criminal records. This process was often confusing, time-consuming, and costly. Many people who were eligible for relief never applied simply because they did not know how.
Under the Clean Slate framework, the burden shifts from the individual to the state. California’s Department of Justice is responsible for identifying qualifying records and applying relief automatically when eligibility requirements are met.
Why the Clean Slate Law Matters
Even a single arrest or conviction can follow someone for decades. Background checks often fail to show context, rehabilitation, or the passage of time. As a result, many people are denied:
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Jobs and career advancement
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Rental housing
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Professional licenses
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Educational opportunities
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Volunteer positions
The Clean Slate Law aims to reduce these barriers for people who have completed their obligations to the justice system and demonstrated rehabilitation. By limiting public access to old or low-level records, the law helps individuals compete more fairly for opportunities and reintegrate into society.
How Automatic Record Sealing Works
One of the most important features of the Clean Slate Law is automatic relief.
Instead of filing a request, the state periodically reviews criminal records stored in its database. If a record meets the legal criteria, it is automatically sealed without action from the individual.
What “Sealed” Means
When a record is sealed:
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It is hidden from most public background checks
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Private employers and landlords generally cannot see it
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It is removed from public court access systems
However, sealed records are not destroyed. They may still be accessible to:
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Law enforcement agencies
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Courts and prosecutors
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Certain government licensing or security agencies
Sealing limits public exposure but does not erase the record entirely.
Clean Slate vs. Expungement: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse record sealing with expungement, but they are not the same.
Record Sealing (Clean Slate)
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Happens automatically for eligible cases
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Hides the record from public view
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Does not require a court petition in most cases
Expungement
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Requires filing a request with the court
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Results in a case being dismissed after conviction
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May offer additional legal benefits in some situations
Some individuals benefit from both processes. Even if a record is eligible for Clean Slate relief, expungement may still be helpful depending on employment, immigration, or licensing goals.
Who Is Eligible for the California Clean Slate Law?
Eligibility depends on the type of record, time passed, and whether the person has remained law-abiding.
Arrests That Did Not Lead to Conviction
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Arrests that never resulted in charges may be sealed automatically after a waiting period
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Arrests where charges were filed but later dismissed may be sealed sooner
Misdemeanor Convictions
Many misdemeanor convictions qualify for automatic sealing once:
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Probation is successfully completed, or
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A set period of time passes after the case closes
This includes many low-level offenses that historically remained visible for life.
Felony Convictions
Under expanded Clean Slate protections, many felony convictions may be sealed automatically if:
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The sentence (including incarceration) has been completed
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A required waiting period has passed
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No new criminal convictions occur during that time
Not all felonies qualify, but eligibility is broader than under older laws.
Records That May Not Qualify
While the Clean Slate Law is expansive, some records are excluded.
These may include:
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Certain serious or violent felony convictions
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Crimes requiring lifetime sex offender registration
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Cases where probation or parole is still active
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Records involving ongoing or pending criminal matters
Additionally, sealing does not restore firearm rights or eliminate all legal consequences of a conviction.
How Long Does Automatic Sealing Take?
The law includes specific waiting periods depending on the type of record. However, even after eligibility is reached, it may take time for the state to process and update records.
Because millions of records are involved, delays are possible. Some individuals discover that a record they expected to be sealed still appears on background checks due to reporting delays or errors.
What If Your Record Was Not Automatically Sealed?
Automatic does not always mean perfect.
Common issues include:
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Incorrect or incomplete criminal history data
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Outdated records in private background check databases
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Cases that require court clarification
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Records that qualify for relief but were overlooked
In these situations, legal assistance can help correct the issue, request manual relief, or pursue additional remedies such as expungement or court-ordered sealing.
Benefits of a Clean Slate Record
Once a record is sealed, many people experience real-world improvements, including:
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Greater job opportunities
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Easier access to housing
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Increased confidence during applications
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Reduced stigma from past mistakes
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Better chances at professional growth
For many, Clean Slate relief is life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the Clean Slate Law?
In most cases, no. Relief is automatic. However, legal help may still be useful if your record has not been updated or if you want additional relief.
Can employers still ask about sealed records?
Most private employers cannot consider sealed records. Some government or regulated positions may still require disclosure.
Will a sealed record show up on background checks?
It should not appear on most standard background checks, but errors can occur, especially with third-party reporting companies.
Why Legal Guidance Still Matters
Although the Clean Slate Law reduces the need for court filings, legal guidance is still important if:
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You want to confirm eligibility
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Your record has not been sealed automatically
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You need faster or broader relief
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You want to combine Clean Slate relief with expungement
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Your case involves exceptions or complex history
An experienced legal team can review your record, explain your options, and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Take the Next Step Toward a Clean Slate
If you believe you may qualify for relief under the California Clean Slate Law—or if you want to make sure your record is truly clear—you do not have to navigate this process alone. Southwest Legal is dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights, correct criminal record issues, and pursue every available option for record relief. Whether your case qualifies for automatic sealing or requires additional legal action, their team can guide you toward the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and take the next step toward a cleaner record and a stronger future.
