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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
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
à thenthecourtmust dismisstheconviction(“mandatory”)
PC1203.3
15PC1203.4
Peoplev.Seymour(2015) 239Cal.App.4th1418
Expungements
Whenprobationwas not partofthesentence
q IfthePetitionerhadno newconvictionduringtheoneyearfollowing theconviction,
à thenthecourtmust dismisstheconviction(“mandatory”)
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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?
Incarceration: Probation,Sentence: jail,prison supervision,
ornone parole,ornone
\notapplicable–noconvictiontodismiss
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IsdismissalofMs.D’sconvictionsMandatory,DiscretionaryorIneligible?
Incarceration: Probation,Sentence: jail,prison supervision,
ornone parole,ornone
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?
Incarceration: Probation,Sentence: jail,prison supervision,
ornone parole,ornone
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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 CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)
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 Expungements=Dismissalsofconvictions(jail,probation,1170(h)sentences)
þ Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)
o CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)
o Sealing(drugdiversion,humantrafficking,juvenile,factualinnocence)
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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 Expungements=Dismissalsofconvictions(jail,probation,1170(h)sentences)
þ Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)
þ CertificatesofRehabilitation(prisonsentencesthatdon’thavePC1170(h)insentencenow)
o Sealing(drugdiversion,humantrafficking,juvenile,factualinnocence)
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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 Expungements=Dismissalsofconvictions(jail,probation,1170(h)sentences)
þ Reducingfeloniestomisdemeanors(“wobblers,”Prop47andProp64)
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.
Answeringquestionsonajobapplication
Ifajobapplicationasksaboutrecentconvictionsonly:Verifythedateoftheconvictionbylookingatrapsheet
Ifajobapplicationasksaboutwhetherapersonhasever beenconvictedofacrime:
Iftheapplicanthasonly expungedconvictionsonhis/herrecord:
• Employerisnotsupposedtoaskregardingexpungedconvictions
• Possibleresponses:“Yes,butithasbeenexpunged.”“Mybackgroundcheckwillnotbeaproblem.”“Ihavenoconvictions.”
Answeringquestionsonajobapplication
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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
Or (408) 924-2758 (message line)
www.sjsu.edu/expunge