State and federal law enforcement agencies are required to report information
regarding a person’s arrests and convictions, which becomes part
of the individual’s criminal record. Employers, financial institutions,
landlords, and authorities in the justice system use this information
to make final decisions. As such, having a criminal record can make it
difficult to get a job, loan, or home. If a person is found guilty of
a crime, a judge will refer to the individual’s prior convictions
to determine sentencing.
Conviction Information Does Not Expire from a Criminal Record
Because of the substantial consequences of a conviction on a person’s
future, they may wonder how long the information will stay on their criminal
record. Unfortunately, arrest and conviction information does not expire;
unless the individual takes a specific action, such as filing a petition
for factual innocence or applying for an
expungement, the information will remain on their record permanently. This is true
for arrests,
misdemeanors, and
felonies.
The 7-Year Rule for Background Checks
Even though conviction information is permanent for the most part, under
California law, an employment background check cannot include information
for criminal offenses that happened more than 7 years before the screening.
However, there is an exception if the employer is required by law to obtain
criminal records from before the 7-year cap.
Restricting Access to Conviction Information Through Expungement
Waiting 7 years for a record to clear from a background check could make
it difficult for the individual to get a job, and thereby an income to
pay for necessities. Fortunately, for some misdemeanor and felony convictions,
the individual can seek an expungement, which effectively seals the offense
information from public access, including most employment background checks.
However, if the person was convicted of a
federal crime, having the information cleared from their record could be difficult.
Under federal law, only specific crimes can be expunged, and the individual
must meet certain criteria to qualify for the expungement.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Appel & Morse
Our attorneys understand that a conviction can negatively impact your future
and livelihood. That is why we provide strong legal counsel to guide you
through the state’s expungement process to clear your record.
Reach out to us today by calling (805) 467-6060 or
filling out our online contact form.