Criminal Record Clearing in a Nutshell - November 2017€¦ · Criminal Record Clearing in a...

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CriminalRecordClearinginaNutshell

11.3.17

November 2017

Lawschange.Individualcasesdiffer.

Beadvised:thisinformationiscurrentlyaccurate.Becauselawsandlegalprocedureschange,pleasechecktobesurethattheinformationhereiscurrentatthetimeyouuseit.

Thisisgeneralinformationandmaynotapplytoyourindividual,specificsituation.

November2017

Adapted from a slideshow by the Stanford Community Law Clinic byShaun Naidu, Jr. and Margaret Stevenson.

An earlier version was developed from materials prepared by the East Bay Community Law Center

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RCPprovides:Communityeducationpresentations

BasicinformationregardingtheexpungementprocessandtheSJSURecordClearanceProject

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AtSJSU:MostWednesdaysfrom2:00– 6:00PM

ByappointmentonlyPleasecalloremail

[email protected]

AtSpeedScreenings

RCPprovides:Free/low-costRAPsheets“RAP”=RecordofArrestsandProsecutions

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RCPprovides:SpeedScreenings

• Individualinterviewsregardingnextstepsforrecordclearance.

SJSUstudentsworkunderattorneysupervision

PleasebringyourRAPsheetorothercriminalhistoryreport.

• LiveScan fingerprinting

• Presentation on expungement law

RCPprovides:SpeedScreenings

3:30– 5:30PM

Tuesday,November28HankLopezCommunityCenter1694AdrianWay,SanJosé

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State (“LiveScan”)• Includesallcounties• RCP:freeor$25(dependingon

income)

elsewhere:~$45-$60• Arrivesin~oneweek• GetfromRecordClearance

ProjectorotherLiveScan provider

County• Morecompletethanstate

• $25

• Arrivesin~onemonth

• GetfromSheriff’soffice

Important:Makesurethattherearenowarrants

pendingbeforegoingtotheSheriff’sOffice

BeforeSpeedScreeningGetaRAPsheet

è Ifallconvictionsareinonecounty,thenbesttogetcounty rapsheet.Ifconvictionsinmorethanonecounty,getastateLiveScan.

RCPprovides:Courtpetitionpreparation

RCPhaslimitedcapacitytoassistpeopleincourt.

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ThePublicDefender’sofficeassistswithexpungementpetitionpreparationattheReentryResourceCenter.

151W.Mission(cornerSanPedro&Mission),SanJosé

(408)535-4290

Monday9:30a.m.– 11:00a.m.Tuesday1:00p.m.– 4:00p.m.Thursday1:00p.m.– 4:00p.m.Friday9:30a.m.– 11:00a.m.

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RecordClearingOptions

RecordcleaningoptionsThefollowinginformationappliestoCaliforniastateconvictionsonly

o Expungements=dismissalsofconvictions(jailsentences,including1170(h)/“realignment”)

o Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)

o CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)

o Sealing (drugdiversions,factualinnocence,juvenileoffenses,offensesrelatedtobeinginvolvedinhumantrafficking,marijuana)

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Expungements“Expungement”=dismissalofaconviction

Almostallconvictionsinvolvingcountyjail orprobation orfines canbedismissed

AllAB109/1170(h) convictionscanbedismissed

Whatdoesanexpungementdo?

withdrawsapleabargainordismissesaconviction

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Exception:mostsexandchildpornographyoffensescannotbedismissed

Expungements

Expungementsareeither:

q required(“mandatory”),or

q uptoajudge(“discretionary”)

Whetherexpungementismandatoryordiscretionarydependson:

• Thesentence,and

• Whathappenedafter thesentence?

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ExpungementsWhenprobationwas partofthesentence:

q Ifapersonsuccessfullycompletedprobation

nonewconvictionsduringprobationnoprobationviolations

à thenthecourtmust dismisstheconviction(“mandatory”)

Exception:RequeststodismissmanyVehicleCodeoffensesmust beheardincourt 13PC1203.4

Forrecordclearances,itdoesnotmatterwhetherprobationwasformal (reporting)orcourt (non-reporting)

ExpungementsWhenprobationwaspartofthesentence:

q Ifapersondidnotsuccessfullycompleteprobation,

newconvictionduringprobationprobationviolation

à thenthedismissaloftheconvictionisuptoajudge(“discretionary”)

Ajudgewilldecideincourtwhetheritis“intheinterestsofjustice”todismisstheconviction

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ExpungementsEarlyterminationofprobation

Example:5yearsprobation,terminatedafter4years

q Ifajudgegrantsapersonearlyterminationofprobation,

ü evenafteranearlierprobationviolationü evenwithvictimrestitutiondue


PC1203.3

15PC1203.4

Peoplev.Seymour(2015) 239Cal.App.4th1418

Expungements

Whenprobationwas not partofthesentence

q IfthePetitionerhadno newconvictionduringtheoneyearfollowing theconviction,


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Note:PC1203.4a– theexpungementlawthatapplieswhenprobationisnot atermofsentence– doesnotapplytofelonies.Forthe(rare)felonywithnoprobation,seeifitisawobblerorProp47orProp64felony.Ifso,asktoreducethefelonytoamisdemeanorandseektodismiss.PC1203.4a

Exception:VehicleCodeinfractionsare ineligiblefordismissal

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Expungements

Whenprobationwas not partofthesentence

q IfthePetitionerhadfurtherinvolvement withthecriminaljusticesystemwithinoneyearfollowing theconviction,

à thenthedismissaloftheconvictionisuptoajudge(discretionary)

Ajudgewilldecideincourtwhetheritis“intheinterestsofjustice”todismisstheconviction

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ExpungementsAB109=Realignment=§1170(h)

• October2011lawturnednon-violent,non-serious,non-sexoffensesstateprisonsentencesintoonestobeservedincountyjail

All 1170(h)casesareeligibleforexpungement

All 1170(h)casesarediscretionary:Ajudgewilldecideincourtwhetheritis“intheinterestsofjustice”todismiss1170(h)convictions

18PC1203.41

Peoplewithasplitsentence(releasedwitha“tail”)canapplyforexpungementoneyear aftercompletingsupervisionPC1170(h)(B)(5)

Peoplewithstraighttime(no“tail”)canapplytwoyears followingreleasefromcustody PC1170(h)(A)(5)

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ExpungementsNewlaweffectiveJanuary1,2018!

PC1203.42isanAB109equalizer:stateprisonconvictionsprior toAB109areeligibletobedismissedthesameasthoseafter AB109’sstartdateofOctober2011.IfthesentenceforaconvictionnowincludesPenalCode1170(h)(=AB109/realignment),stateprisonsentencespriortoOctober2011canbedismissed“intheinterestsofjustice”Moreinformationandcourtformscoming.

19AB1115,PC1203.42

Expungements

When canapersonfileforexpungement?

R Notservingtime

R Notonprobation,paroleorsupervision

R Nocriminalchargespending

OwingmoneytotheCountydoesNOTbarexpungements

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Peoplev.Bradus (2007)149Cal.App.4th636,638(successfulcompletionofprobation);Peoplev.Holman(2013)214Cal.App.4th1438(earlyterminationofprobation);Peoplev.Seymour(2015) 239Cal.App.4th1418(earlyterminationofprobation

requiresexpungementevenwhenvictimrestitutiondue)

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Expungements:balanceduetoCountyIthelpstoknowwhattheCountybelievesapersonowesbefore filingforexpungement.

CallDepartmentofRevenue(408)282-3200Askfordetailedstatementofanybalanceduetoseewhetheritisfees,finesorrestitution

Thecourtcanforgive(“commute”)balancesforfinesandfeesdueatarecordclearancehearing

Ifthepetitionerwantstoaskthecourttoforgivethebalancedue,he/shemustincludethisrequestintheexpungementpapersfiled• Provideanexplanationastowhyitisneeded• Makingsmall,regularpaymentswhenoneisable,canbe

beneficialtoalaterrequestforcommutationoffees

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ImmigrationstatusThereisnoimmigrationstatusrequirementtobeeligibletopetitionforexpungement.However,criminalhistoriescanaffectimmigrationcases.TheRecordClearanceProjectasksitsclientswhohaveimmigrationissuestoconsultanattorneywhospecializesinimmigrationlawbeforebeginningtheexpungementprocess.

Someagenciesthatofferimmigrationlegalservices:

• AlexanderCommunityLawCenter,SanJosé:(408)288-7030• AsianLawAlliance,SanJosé:(408)287-9710• CatholicCharities,SanJosé:408(408)944-0691• CommunityLegalServices,EastPaloAlto:(650)326-6440• InternationalInstitute,RedwoodCity:(650)780-7530• SIREN,SanJosé:(408)453-3003

Andvariousprivateattorneys…

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Nowsomepractice!Fivepeoplecometoyoutoaskwhichoftheirconvictionsmustbedismissedandwhichcanbedismissed.

Assumethat- Unlessshown,thepeopleareeligibletofileforexpungement(dismissal)

- Theyhavenoprobationviolationsotherthanfromnewconvictionsshownontheirrecords

- Thelastconvictionshownistheirlastconviction

Abbreviationsused:Infrac =Infraction;Misd =misdemeanor,Fel =Felony

Mand=MandatorydismissalDisc=discretionarydismissalInelig=ineligiblefordismissal

IsdismissalofMr.A’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?

Incarceration: Probation,

Sentence: jail,prison supervision,ornone parole,ornone________

1.1.2000 Misd pettytheft 1dayjail 1year Mand Disc Inel

6.1.2003 Inf resistarrest nojail fineonly Mand Disc Inel

12.7.2004 Fel sale contsubs30daysjail 3years Mand Disc Inel12.8.2006 probationterminatedearly

1.1.2007 Misd false name 4daysjail 2years Mand Disc Inel

2.2.2008 Fel robbery2nd deg 8monthsjail 3years Mand Disc Inel

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1.1.2000Misd resistarrest 2days 0 Mand Disc Inel

3.1.2000 Misd pettytheft 2days 0 Mand Disc Inel

6.1.2002 Fel sales contrl subs 3months 3years Mand Disc Inelnotmarijuana

1.1.2006 Fel childendangermt 6months 5years MandDisc Inel1.1.2010 probationviolation

1.1.2012 Fel domesticviolence 10months 3years Mand Disc Inel

IsdismissalofMs.B’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?

Incarceration: Probation,Sentence: jail,prison supervision,

ornone parole,ornone

\

1.1.2000Misd resistarrest 2days 1year MandDiscInelig

3.1.2000 Misd domesticbattery 2months 3years MandDiscInelig

1.1.2004 Fel sales contrl subs 2years 3years MandDiscInelig(now1170(h)sentence) prison parole

6.1.2007 Fel childendangermt 6months 5yearsMandDiscInelig6.1.2009 probationterminatedearly

1.1.2012 Fel poss contrl subs drugdiversion MandDiscInelig1.1.2014 successfullycompleted

IsdismissalofMr.C’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?



\notapplicable–noconvictiontodismiss

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IsdismissalofMs.D’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?



1.1.1999 Fel childendangermt 45daysjail 3years MandDiscInelig

2.2.2000 Fel assaultw/deadly 2monthsjail 2years MandDiscIneligweapon

6.6.2002 Fel saleofmarijuana 6monthsjail 2years MandDiscInelig(adultsinvolved,notonschoolordaycare)

8.8.2006Fel saleofheroin 2yearsprison 2yrs paroleMandDiscInelig(now1170(h)sentence)

9.9.2012Fel own/rentdrug16monthsjail1yeartailMandDiscInelighouse per1170(h)

1.1.2006 Fel childendangermt 6months 5yearsMandDisc Inel1.1.2008 probationterminatedearly

1.1.2010 Fel poss contrl subs drugdiversion MandDisc Inelnotmarijuana

1.1.2011 Fel assaultw/deadly 8months3years MandDisc Inelweapon

1.1.2016 Misd disorderlyconduct 2days 2years MandDisc Inel

What?Stillonprobation!->waittill1.1.2018oraskforearlyterminationofprobation

IsdismissalofMr.E’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?



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Whatdoesnot changeafterexpungement

• Stillcountsasa“prior”

• Stillcountsasastrikeifitpreviouslycountedasastrike

• Firearmbanremainsunchanged

• Sexoffenderregistrationremainsunchanged

• Driver’slicensesuspensionremainsunchanged

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WhatdoeschangeafterexpungementExpungementoftenhelpswith:

• Employment• Housing• Familyunification• Immigration*

*Checkwithanimmigrationattorneybeforeproceedingtodeterminepossibleconsequencesforimmigrationsituation

• Studentloans• Civilrights• Fundamentalfairness• Dignityvalue

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þ Expungements=Dismissalsofconvictions(jail,probation,1170(h)sentences)

o Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)


o Sealing(drugdiversion,humantrafficking,juvenile,factualinnocence)

ReducingfeloniestomisdemeanorsManyfeloniesarewobblers.

IftheoffensecanbechargedeitherasamisdemeanorORasafelony,itisawobbler.

Testtoseeifit’sawobbler:doessentenceinclude

JailORprisonJailOR1170(h)

Examples: assaultwithdeadlyweaponvandalismdomesticviolenceDUIwithinjuryseconddegreeburglarygrandtheft 32

PC 17(b)

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Example:wobblers

• Cal.PenalCode§§ 459and460(b)seconddegreeburglary:– Burglaryintheseconddegreeispunishedby:“imprisonmentin

thecountyjail notexceedingoneyearorimprisonmentpursuanttosubdivision(h)ofSection1170

(Cal.PenalCode§ 461(b).

• Cal.PenalCode§ 245(a)(1)assaultwithadeadlyweapon:– Anypersonwhocommitsanassaultuponthepersonofanother

withadeadlyweaponorinstrumentotherthanafirearmshallbepunishedbyimprisonmentinthestateprisonfortwo,three,orfouryears,or inacountyjailfornotexceedingoneyear,orbyafinenotexceedingtenthousanddollars($10,000),orbyboththefineandimprisonment.

Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors

Whenajailsentencehasawobblerfelony,ajudgecanreduceittoamisdemeanoratanytime.

o Petitionercanaskforreductionanddismissalinthesamepetition

o Thejudgeconsidersevidenceofrehabilitationandtheinterestsofjustice

Onceafelonyisreducedtoamisdemeanor,itisconsideredasamisdemeanorforallpurposes.

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ReducingfeloniestomisdemeanorsThenewProposition47requires:

• misdemeanorinsteadoffelonysentenceforthreedrugpossessionoffenses,Health&SafetyCodesections:

11350(possessionofcocaineandothercontrolledsubstances)11357(possessionofconcentratedcannabis– alsolookatProp64)11377(possessionofmethamphetaminesandothercontrolled

substances)

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Prop47allowssentencesfortheaboveoffensestoremainasfeloniesifthepersonhasapreviousconvictionforcrimessuchasrape,murder,orchildmolestation,orisrequiredtoregisterasasexoffenderperPC290(c).

PC1170.18andothersections

ReducingfeloniestomisdemeanorsThenewProposition47requires:

• misdemeanorinsteadofafelonysentenceforthefollowingtheftoffenseswhen$950orlessisinvolved:o commercialburglaryduringbusinesshours(PC459)o theft(PC487,488)andpettytheftwithaprior(PC666)o receivingstolenproperty(PC496(a))o forging/writingbadchecks(PC473,PC476a)

Re476a:unlessthepersonhas3ormorepriorconvictionsforforgeryorinsufficientfundschecksRe473:unlessthepersonisalsoconvictedinthesamecaseofidentitytheft(PC530.5)

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Prop47allowssentencesfortheaboveoffensestoremainasfeloniesifthepersonhasapreviousconvictionforcrimessuchasrape,murder,orchildmolestation,orisrequiredtoregisterasasexoffenderperPC290(c).

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Procedure:Prop47inSantaClaraCounty

UseformCR-6087forpreviousfelonies

http://www.scscourt.org/forms_and_filing/forms/CR-6087.pdf

OrcontactthePublicDefender’sProp47unit

in-custody:(408)299-7747outofcustody:(408)299-7347

Applicationdeadline:November5,2022

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Procedure:Prop47filinginSantaClaraCounty• Filloutformandkeepacopyforyourself

• SendacopyofcompletedformtotheDAor,ifyouaregoingtothecourttofileit,askthecourtclerktogivetheDAthecopy

• FilebymailorinpersonattheClerk’sOffice,HallofJusticeStreetAddress:190-200WestHedding Street,SanJose,CA95110MailingAddress:191N.FirstStreetSanJose,CA95113

• Nofilingfee

• Thecourtwillprocesstheapplicationandsendyouthecompletedpaperworkattheaddressyoulist

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Prop64:marijuana-relatedexpungementandreductionoffeloniesEffectiveJanuary1,2017,Prop64canimproverecordsformanymarijuana-relatedoffenses(reducesomefelonies,sealsomeconvictions)iftheconvictionwasforviolationofHealthandSafetycodesection:

o 11357(possession)o 11358(cultivation)o 11359(possessionwithintenttosell)oro 11360(transportation,sales)

39HSC11361.8(e)-(f)

Differentrulesapplyifpeopleunderage21areinvolvedorpresent,ifoffenseoccurredonschoolordaycare.

Procedure:Prop64Useforms

CR-400andCR-403forProp64cases

http://www.courts.ca.gov/Clickon“Forms”tab

Searchinthedrop-downmenuforCriminalforms

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Can/MustLaw Appliesto Typeofcase bereduced

17b jailonly wobbler= cansentencecanbetojailORprison/1170(h)

P47 jail+ drugpossession must1170(h)+ theft-related$950orlessprison

P64 jail+ marijuana-related must1170(h)+ (includingsales)prison

Summaryoffelonyreductionrules

Nowsomepractice!

Followingaresomefelonyconvictions.

Assumethatalloffensesinvolvedpeoplewhowereovertheageof21andnotonschoolgrounds(mattersforProp64)

Decidewhatlawapplies,ifany:

17b,Prop47orProp64

Thendecidewhethertheconvictioncanbereduced,mustbereducedorcan’tbereduced.

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IsreductionofMr.A’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?

Incarceration:jail,1170(h), Can/Must/Can’t

prison Law_ bereduced

Possessmeth jail 17b P47 P64CanMustCan’tHS11377

Possessmeth prison 17b P47 P64CanMustCan’tHS11377

Assaultwith jail 17b P47 P64 CanMustCan’tdeadlyweaponPC245

Assaultwithprison 17b P47 P64 CanMustCan’tdeadlyweaponPC245

IsreductionofMs.B’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?

Incarceration:jail,1170(h), Can/Must/Can’tprison Law_ bereduced

Grandtheft jail 17b P47 P64CanMustCan’t($450)PC487

Saleof prison 17b P47 P64 CanMustCan’tmarijuana HS11359(adultsinvolved,notatschoolordaycare)

Possess jail 17b P47 P64 CanMustCan’tmarijuana HS11379 (adultsinvolved,notatschoolordaycare)

Saleofmethprison 17b P47 P64 CanMustCan’tHS11358

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ReducingmisdemeanorstoinfractionsSomemisdemeanorscanbereducedtoinfractions

Examples:

PC415:disturbingthepeace

Bus&ProfC25658(b):minorbuyingordrinkingalcoholinpublic

VC23109(c):speedcontestsonhighway

VC5201.1:obscuredlicenseplate

VC12500:drivingwithoutalicense

VC14601.1:drivingwithasuspendedlicense

45PC17(d),19.6,19.8


þ Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)



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CertificatesofRehabilitationCertificatesofRehabilitationareavailableforprisonsentencesthatcan’tbedismissedbyPC1203.42andconvictionsthatcannotbeexpunged

ACertificateofRehabilitationdoesnoteraseordismissaconviction

Itdoes:

ü certifyrehabilitationbythecourt

ü relieveregistrationrequirementforsomesexoffenses

üdemonstrateevidenceoftherehabilitationneededformanyprofessionallicenses

PC4852.1547

PC290.5

CertificatesofRehabilitation:Requirementsq Residencerequirements

• musthavelivedinCaliforniaforfiveyearsimmediatelybeforefiling,

and

q Timerequirements• startingwitheitherthe

o lastreleasefromlastcustody,oro lastencounterwithlawenforcement

(whicheverislater)• personmusthavenoproblemswithlawfor7years

(formostoffenses)Judgecanshortenthe7yearsifitis“intheinterestsofjustice”todoso

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Procedure:CertificatesofRehabilitation

Expungealleligiblejail convictionsbefore applyingforCertificateofRehabilitation

Fileapplicationwithcourt

Includesupportingstatementanddocuments(similartofilingfordiscretionaryexpungements)

DistrictAttorney’sofficeconductsaninvestigation

JudgeconsidersrequestforCertificateofRehabilitationatahearing

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þ CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)


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SealingLimitedtypesofrecordsmaybesealed:• successfuldrugdiversions

– Prop36orDeferredEntryofJudgment(“DEJ”)

• factualinnocence(“itwasn’tme”)

• somejuvenileoffenses

• mostoffensescommittedbysurvivorsoftraffickingasa“directresult”ofbeingtrafficked

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PC1210.1 PC1000.4

PC236.14,effectiveJanuary1,2017

PC851.8

Welf.&Inst.C781,786

SealingOnceacaseissealed,noconvictionexistsandthereisnothingtodismissExample:

Uponsuccessfulcompletionofadeferredentryofjudgment[drugdiversion]program,thearrestuponwhichthejudgmentwasdeferredshallbedeemedtohaveneveroccurred.Thedefendantmayindicateinresponsetoanyquestionconcerninghisorherpriorcriminalrecordthatheorshewasnotarrestedorgranteddeferredentryofjudgment fortheoffense,except[inemploymentapplicationsforpeaceofficer].

Thereissimilarlanguageforothertypesofcaseswhererecordsealingisallowed.

52PC1000.4(a)

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SealingofmostoffensescommittedasaresultofhumantraffickingApersonsubjecttohumantraffickingcanhaveconvictionrecordsdestroyedif:

• Personwasbeingtraffickedattimehe/shecommittedthecrime• Crimewasdirectresultofbeingtrafficked• Personisdistancinghim/herselffromtrafficking• Destroyingrecordsis“intheinterestsofjustice”

Filewithin“reasonabletime”afterseekingservicesfororendingtrafficking

Exceptions:someconvictionsthatcannotbedismissedincluderobbery,firstdegreeburglary,carjackingandmoreseriousoffensessuchasrape,murder,arson,kidnappingandotherfelonieslistedinPC667.5(c)

53PC236.14,effectiveJanuary1,2017



þ CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)

þ Sealing(drugdiversion,humantrafficking,juvenile,factualinnocence)

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Procedure:HowtoapplyforexpungementApplyinthecountywheretheconvictiontookplace

Fileaseparatepetitionforeachcasenumber

Onecasemayhaveseveral“counts”(“charges”);oncetheonecaseisdismissed,allthecountsaredismissed

Twowaystoapplyforexpungement:• filingaform

nocourtappearancefilloutapplicationform

• goingtocourtcourtappearancerequiredprepareapetition

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Procedure:HowtoapplyforexpungementFilingaform(nocourtappearance)

Usefulformandatory dismissals(courtmustdismisstheconviction)

• Whenpersonsuccessfullycompletedprobation

• Ifdidn’tgetprobation,whenpersondidnothaveanotherproblemwithlawenforcementwithintheyearfollowingtheconviction

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Procedure:Howtoapplyforexpungement

Filingaform(nocourtappearance)InSantaClaraCounty:

AsofJuly2016,thereisnocost forfilingforexpungement.About4monthsaftersubmittingform,ProbationDepartmentwillsendaletterstatingwhichconviction(s)

o havebeendismissedoro requireacourthearing

FormisonProbationDepartmentwebsiteatsccgov.org(searchfor“adultrecordclearance”)orcall(408)435-2073foranapplication

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Procedure:HowtoapplyforexpungementPreparingapetitionforacourthearing:

FordiscretionarydismissalswhenPetitioner:

• Didnotsuccessfullycompleteprobation

• Hadnewencounterwithlawwithinoneyearofnon-probationcase

• Isaskingthecourttoreduceawobblerfelonytoamisdemeanor

• Isaskingcourttodismissa1170(h)(realignment)case

• Isaskingcourttoterminateprobationearly58

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Procedure:HowtoapplyforexpungementOthercounties(notSantaClara):

Californiahas“JudicialCouncil”formstofileforexpungements:formsCR-180andCR-181

www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm-dropdownmenu:“criminal”

Sendtothecourtclerk’sofficeinthecountywheretheconvictiontookplace.

Keepacopy.

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Thepetitionshowsthejudgethat“theinterestsofjustice”supportdismissingtheconvictionby:

• aDeclaration(sworn,personalstatement),and

• supportingdocumentso lettersofsupportfrom

§ co-workers§ friendsandfamily§ church§ communityvolunteerplacements

o certificatesofaccomplishmentso otherevidenceofrehabilitation

Procedure:Howtoapplyforexpungement

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Employmentrightsofpeoplewithcriminalconvictions

Expungedconvictionsshielded

MostCaliforniaemployerscannotaskaboutorconsiderexpungedconvictionsinemploymentdecisions

Noemployer,whetherapublicagencyorprivateindividualorcorporation,shallaskanapplicantforemploymenttodisclose,throughanywrittenformorverbally,information...concerningaconvictionthathasbeenjudiciallydismissedororderedsealed…

...norshallanyemployerseekfromanysourcewhatsoever,orutilize, asafactorindetermininganyconditionofemploymentincludinghiring,promotion,termination,oranyapprenticeshiptrainingprogramoranyothertrainingprogramleadingtoemployment,anyrecord...concerningaconvictionthathasbeenjudiciallydismissedororderedsealed…

ReferringtoPCsections1203.4,1203.4a,1203.45and1210.1.

62LaborCode432.7(a)

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WhenCaliforniaemployerscanconsiderexpungedconvictionsExceptionstoLaborCodesection432.7:employerscanconsiderdismissedconvictionsinthefollowingcircumstances:

•peaceofficers§§ (b),(e)

•healthfacilities§ (f)

• PC§ 290-relatedarrestsforpositionswithregularaccesstopatients• HS§ 11590-relatedarrestsforpositionswithaccesstomedication• concessionaires[sellingorcontracting]withgovernment§ § (k),(l)

thoughkeepinmindnew§ 432.9– BantheBox– regovernmentemployment

• employerrequiredbylawtoobtainconvictioninformation§ (m)

• positionrequirespossession/useoffirearminemployment§ (m)

• convictionbarsapplicantfromholdingposition,notwithstandingdismissal§ (m)

• employerisprohibitedfromemployingapplicantwithconviction§ (m)

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“BantheBox”onmostjobapplicationsinCalifornia

“BantheBox”:mostemployersinCaliforniawithmorethan5employeesmaynotaskapplicantsaboutcriminalhistoriesonemploymentapplications.

Theymustwaituntilafter“aconditionalofferofemployment” beforeaskingaboutcriminalhistory

Gov’tCode12952(a)(effectiveJanuary1,2018)

Exceptions:Employerscanaskontheapplicationformaboutconvictionhistoryif

• theagencyisrequiredtodoabackgroundcheck• thepositioniswithacriminaljusticeagency• farmlaborcontractors

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Mostemployerscannothaveanabsolutebanonhiring anyonewithaconvictionhistory.

Wecannotconceiveofanybusinessnecessitythatwouldautomaticallyplaceeveryindividualconvictedofany offenseinthepermanentranksoftheunemployed.

Courtdecisionin Greenv.MissouriPacificRailroad,523F.2d1290(8th Cir.1975)

Employersmustmakeanindividualizedassessmentofeachapplicanttoconsider:

• Thenatureandgravityoftheoffenseorconduct;• Thetimethathaspassedsincetheoffense,conduct

and/orcompletionofthesentence;and• Thenatureofthejobheldorsought.

652Cal.CodeReg.11017.1;EEOCGuidancep.11Gov’tCode12952(b)(effectiveJanuary1,2018)

Differentemployerscanseedifferentinformation

Onceaconvictionisdismissed(“expunged”),itremainsonarapsheet,withanotationthattheconvictionwasdismissed.

Rapsheetsarehighlyprivatedocuments.Thelawlimitswhoispermittedtoseethem.

Governmentemployers,lawenforcementandthecourts canseefullrecord,includingexpungedconvictions

Banking andhospitals/medicalfacilitieshavegreateraccessthanprivateemployers

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Differentemployerscanseedifferentinformation:LicensingboardsLicensingboards canseefullrecord,includingexpungedconvictions

Examples: RealestateagentsSecurityguardsAccountants

Peoplecanadvocatewithlicensingboardsforpermissiontoworkevenwithconvictionsontheirrecords

Indecidingwhethertogiveprofessionallicensestosomeonewithacriminalhistory,licensingboardsmayconsider:

• Timepassedsincelastconviction• Expungementofconviction(s)• Lettersofsupport• Whetherconvictionsare“substantiallyrelated”tolicensedesired

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Differentemployerscanseedifferentinformation:LicensingboardsExpungementandCertificatesofRehabilitationcanbeuseful.ThefollowinglawsapplytolicensingboardsregulatedbytheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs:

[A]personshallnotbedeniedalicensesolelyonthebasisofaconvictionthathasbeendismissed…

[A]personshallnotbedeniedalicensesolelyonthebasisthatheorshehasbeenconvictedofafelony ifheorshehasobtainedacertificateofrehabilitation…or thatheorshehasbeenconvictedofamisdemeanor ifheorshehasmetallapplicablerequirementsofthecriteriaofrehabilitation developedby[eachlicensingboard]…

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Business&ProfessionsCode480(c)

Business&ProfessionsCode480(b)

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Differentemployerscanseedifferentinformation:CaregiversEmployersinthecare-givingfieldsmustrequestcriminalhistoryreportsofjobapplicants

Examples: ChildcareworkersDisabledpeople’sassistantsEldercareworkers

• theCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServiceswillnotifytheemployerifapplicanthasaconviction

• caregiverswithacriminalrecordcanasktheDepartmentofSocialServicesforan‘exemption’tobeeligibletowork

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PC §11105.3;Exemptionprocess outlined at California Department of Social Serviceshttp://ccld.ca.gov/PG404.htm

Differentemployerscanseedifferentinformation:privateemployers

Privateemployers donot haveaccesstostatecomputerfilesExamples:Target,Cisco,Safewaycannotseerapsheets

Privateemployersusuallybuybackgroundcheckreports

InCalifornia,backgroundcheckcompaniesarenotsupposedtoreport:

• pastarrests,or• convictionsthatareolderthan7years

70Cal.CivilCode1786.18(a)(7)

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BackgroundcheckcompaniesApplicantsmustgivepermissionforemployerstoorderabackgroundcheckreport.Employersmustoffertheapplicantacopyofthereport

Gettingacopyofthereportallowspeopletoknowwhatisontheirreport.

MistakesonbackgroundreportsarecommonPeoplewhoarethesubjectofanunlawfulreportcansuefor$10,000

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Cal.CivilCode1786.50

Cal.CivilCode1786.26(b)(1),Cal.CivilCode1786.16(a)(2),(b)and15USC1681j

Keepinmind:Anemployercanuseanemployee’sfalsestatementsonajobapplication asalegalreasontonothireortofiresomeone,evenafteryearsofwork

Learnwhatisactuallyonarecord:manypeopleareunawareofwhatisontheirrecord

ReadtheapplicationquestioncarefullyDoesitaskaboutcurrentconvictionsonly?Doesitaskaboutfeloniesonly?Doesitaskaboutrecent convictionsonly?Doesitaskaboutever havingbeenconvictedofacrime?

Answeringquestionsonajobapplication

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Ifajobapplicationasksaboutcurrent convictions only:Iftheapplicanthasdismissedorsealedall convictionsandnoconvictionsremainontherecord:

Whatistheanswertothequestion:“Doyouhaveanycurrentcriminalconvictions?”

No.

Ifajobapplicationasksaboutfeloniesonly:Ifallfeloniesontheapplicant’srecordhavebeenreducedtomisdemeanors:

Whatistheanswertothequestion:“Doyouhaveanyfelonyconvictions?”

No.


Ifajobapplicationasksaboutrecentconvictionsonly:Verifythedateoftheconvictionbylookingatrapsheet

Ifajobapplicationasksaboutwhetherapersonhasever beenconvictedofacrime:

Iftheapplicanthasonly expungedconvictionsonhis/herrecord:

• Employerisnotsupposedtoaskregardingexpungedconvictions

• Possibleresponses:“Yes,butithasbeenexpunged.”“Mybackgroundcheckwillnotbeaproblem.”“Ihavenoconvictions.”


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Theemployer’squestionsareunlawful,butwhatcanIdo?

• Practiceresponsestoquestions• Careertrainingagenciescanhelp

• Getitinwritingifpossible(e.g.,jobapplicationform,lettersofrejection)

• Takenotesaboutwhosaidwhat,when

• Talktoothersaboutaspecificemployers’actions

Nowsomepractice!Onthenextslidesareimaginaryemploymentsituationsandjobapplicantbackgrounds.

Imaginethatyouareapplyingforajobthatyouwouldlike,forwhichyouarewell-qualified.

Whenyouarecalledinforaninterview,theinterviewerasksyouthefollowingquestions.

Practicehowyouwouldrespond.

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Nowsomepractice!Job:

ManagerinthehomefurnishingsdepartmentofDepartmentStore

Thejobdoesnotrequiredriving

Yourbackground:

AAdegreeininteriordesign

Fouryearsofretailexperience

DUIconvictionsixyearsago,whichisstillonyourrecord

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Interviewerasks…Haveyoueverbeenarrested?

MostCaliforniaemployerscannotaskabout:• Arreststhatdidnotleadtoconvictions• Recordsthathavebeenexpunged• Arrestsforwhichapersonsuccessfullycompletedadrugdiversionprogram

Doyouhaveanyconvictions?Yes,BUT:Employerissupposedtoconsiderthe

• natureandgravityoftheoffense• jobduties• timethathaspassed

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Nowsomepractice!Job:

Counselorforat-riskyouthinCity-runprogram

Yourbackground:10yearsofexperienceworkingwith18- to24-year-oldsingangpreventionprogram

Priorto10yearsago,threedrug-relatedconvictions,allofthemsealed

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Interviewerasks…Haveyoueverbeenarrested?

Ifperson’srecordissealed(=successfullycompletedadrugdiversionprogram),theycananswer“no”

Icheckedyourrecordandyouhadthreedrugdiversioncases.Youansweredthatyoudidn’thaveanyarrests.Doyouwanttoreconsideryouranswer?

No.Myanswerwascorrect.Thedrugdiversionlawssaythatyoucananswer‘no’toquestionsregardingwhetheryouwerearrested.

è Notethatpeopleworkingwiththoseunderage18willbesubjecttoaDepartmentofSocialServicesreview.Thisshouldnotbeaproblemforpeoplewithsealedconvictions,however.

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Nowsomepractice!Job:eventplannerforcorporateparties

(doesnotrequireprofessionallicense)

Yourbackground:

Prisonconvictionforpossessionofmethamphetamines.Fouroldermisdemeanordrugcasesforwhichyouservedsentencesinjail.Ithasbeensixyearsandsixmonthssinceyouwerereleasedfromprison.Youhavenonewconvictionssinceyourreleasefromprison.YourfelonywasreducedtoamisdemeanorunderProp47

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Interviewerasks…Doyouhaveanyfelonyconvictions?

Answeris“no”– thefelonyhasbeenreducedtoamisdemeanor

Whatisyourbackgroundcheckgoingtoshow?Currentlybackgroundcheckwillshowprisoncase.

canapplyforCertificateofRehabilitation&askforearlyconsideration

Backgroundcheckshouldnotshowolderjailcases– morethan7years

ShouldgetthoseexpungedbeforeapplyingforCertificateofRehabilitation

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Someadditionalresources:General:

o AllofUsorNone:www.allofusornone.orgo CollateralConsequencesResourceCenter:ccresourcecenter.orgo CleanSlateClearinghouse:cleanslate.csgjusticecenter.orgo CaliforniansforSafetyandJustice:www.safeandjust.org/resourceso RootandRebound:www.rootandrebound.orgo ThePapillon Foundation:www.papillonfoundation.org

Employment:o NationalEmploymentLawProjectwww.nelp.orgo NationalH.I.R.E.network:www.reentry.net

InSanJosé:o AlexanderCommunityLawCenterworkers’rightsclinic

http://law.scu.edu/kgaclc/#services(408)288-7030o AscentEmploymentServiceshttp://www.ascent-jobs.org(408)257-8302

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For more information, or to sign up for Speed Screening or LiveScan fingerprinting

leave a message for the SJSU Record Clearance Project at

[email protected]

Or (408) 924-2758 (message line)

www.sjsu.edu/expunge

Date post:	27-Jul-2018
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