Having a criminal record can create significant barriers when it comes to securing employment. Employers often run background checks before hiring, and a past conviction—even if it was years ago—can make it harder to get the job you want. Fortunately, the legal system provides a way for individuals to move forward with a clean slate: criminal expungement.
Criminal Expungement & Employment in Los Angeles – Quick Reference Chart
This chart summarizes how criminal expungement in California, especially in Los Angeles County, affects employment background checks, job applications, Live Scan results, and licensing.
| Key Question | Short Answer | Details for California & Los Angeles | Who Still Sees the Record? |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is criminal expungement? | Dismisses / clears a completed case. | Expungement is a court process that seals or erases a conviction from most public access after you complete probation and other requirements. | Courts and law enforcement can still view the original record. |
| How does expungement affect employment background checks? | Most private checks no longer show a conviction. | For many commercial and employer checks, an expunged California case shows as “dismissed” or may not appear, greatly reducing hiring stigma. | Government and some licensing agencies may still see the underlying case history. |
| After expungement, can I answer “No” to conviction questions? | Often yes, for private employers. | Once a case is expunged in California, you can usually answer “No” to conviction questions on standard job applications, with exceptions for some public-sector and law-enforcement roles. | Certain government, law-enforcement, and licensing applications may still require full disclosure. |
| Will expungement help with Live Scan for jobs or licenses? | Yes, it usually looks much better. | On many Live Scan reports used by Los Angeles employers and boards, expunged cases appear as dismissed rather than active convictions, improving how your record is reviewed. | Reviewing agencies may still see that a case existed, even though it is dismissed. |
| How long does expungement take in Los Angeles County? | Several weeks to a few months. | Processing time varies by courthouse and case complexity, so it is smart to start before applying for new jobs or licenses. | Until the court signs the order, employers may still see the conviction. |
| Do I need a lawyer to file? | Not required, but strongly recommended. | You may file on your own, but many people in Los Angeles use an attorney so the petition is accurate and tailored to employment and licensing goals. | You still need correct Live Scan record review results and notarized documents regardless of who files. |
| Can expungement improve professional licensing outcomes? | Often, yes. | Courts dismissing a conviction can make applications in healthcare, real estate, finance, education, and other licensed fields more competitive, though boards may still ask for explanations. | Licensing boards may review both the expunged case and your rehabilitation evidence. |
| Which services can help with the paperwork? | Notary & Live Scan support. | Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan provides notarized affidavits, Live Scan fingerprinting, and mobile appointments across Los Angeles to support your expungement filing. | Agencies receive your official court and background records; the notary and Live Scan provider do not decide your case. |
But how does criminal expungement affect your employment opportunities? Can it truly help you start fresh and improve your career prospects? In this article, we’ll explore what criminal expungement is, how it impacts background checks, the benefits for job seekers, and the role services like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan play in this process.
What is Criminal Expungement?
Understanding the Basics
Criminal expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal record from public access. While laws vary by state, expungement generally means that your past convictions will not appear on most background checks conducted by employers.
How Expungement Differs from Sealing
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, expungement usually means a record is erased, while sealing a record restricts access. Employers, landlords, and the general public often cannot see sealed or expunged records, though law enforcement agencies may still have access.
Why Criminal Records Affect Employment
The Role of Background Checks
Most employers, particularly in industries like healthcare, education, finance, and government, require background checks as part of the hiring process. Even a minor conviction can raise red flags, causing employers to move forward with other candidates.
Employer Concerns
Employers may be concerned about liability, safety, or compliance with regulations. For example, someone with a theft conviction may have difficulty being hired for positions involving financial responsibility.
How Expungement Improves Employment Opportunities
A Fresh Start for Job Seekers
Once your record is expunged, it no longer appears in most employment background checks. This allows you to apply for jobs without the stigma of a past conviction.
Expungement and Job Applications
In many states, once a record is expunged, you are legally allowed to answer “No” when asked if you have been convicted of a crime. This can make a huge difference in how employers view your application.
Greater Access to Professional Licenses
Many professions—such as law, medicine, and real estate—require licensing. A criminal record can prevent you from obtaining the necessary certifications. Expungement often clears the way for pursuing these opportunities.
The Limitations of Expungement
Jobs Requiring High-Level Background Checks
While expungement helps in most cases, some federal jobs, law enforcement roles, and immigration applications may still require full disclosure of your criminal history.
Access by Government Agencies
Even after expungement, government agencies, courts, and law enforcement may still retain access to your records.
The Expungement Process in California
Eligibility for Expungement
Not every case qualifies for expungement. Typically, you may be eligible if:
- You successfully completed probation.
- You were not sentenced to state prison.
- You are not currently facing criminal charges.
Filing for Expungement
The process generally involves:
- Filing a petition with the court.
- Serving the petition to the district attorney or probation department.
- Attending a hearing, if required.
- Obtaining a signed court order granting expungement.
The Role of Notary and Live Scan Services
Before filing, you may need notarized documents and background checks through a Live Scan fingerprinting service. That’s where Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can assist, ensuring your paperwork is properly notarized and your Live Scan submission is accurate and timely.
The Role of Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan
Why Notarization Matters
Expungement petitions often require supporting affidavits, sworn statements, and other notarized documents. A mistake in the notarization process can delay your case.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we provide reliable notary services across Los Angeles, ensuring that your expungement paperwork is valid and accepted by the court.
Live Scan Fingerprinting
The first step in most expungement cases is getting a current criminal record check. Live Scan fingerprinting record review is the most accurate method for this process. Our team helps clients by offering convenient and fast Live Scan services, saving you time and stress.
Mobile Services for Your Convenience
We understand that dealing with legal processes is stressful enough. That’s why Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan comes to you—whether you are at home, work, or another location in Los Angeles.
Real-Life Benefits of Expungement for Employment
Case Example: Overcoming Barriers
Consider an individual who was convicted of a misdemeanor in their early 20s. Years later, they apply for a managerial position, but the conviction shows up on their background check, costing them the opportunity. After pursuing expungement, they are able to reapply without the stigma, and their chances of being hired improve significantly.
Industries Where Expungement Has the Most Impact
- Healthcare: Patients and institutions require trust.
- Education: Working with minors demands clean records.
- Finance: Employers seek to minimize risk.
- Corporate Roles: Many companies require thorough checks.
FAQs About Criminal Expungement, Employment & Background Checks in Los Angeles
How does criminal expungement affect employment background checks in California?
In California, including Los Angeles, a successful expungement means most private employer background checks will no longer show the conviction. For many Live Scan and commercial background checks, the case typically appears as “dismissed,” which greatly reduces the stigma during hiring. However, some government, law enforcement, and licensing agencies may still see your prior record and consider it when making decisions.
After my record is expunged, can I legally answer “No” to conviction questions on job applications?
In many situations, once your California case is expunged, you may legally answer “No” when a private employer asks if you have been convicted of a crime. There are important exceptions for certain government, law enforcement, and licensing positions, so it is always wise to read each application carefully and speak with an attorney if you are unsure.
Which employers in Los Angeles can still see an expunged record?
Most private employers in Los Angeles will only see that your case was dismissed after expungement or may not see it at all. However, courts, law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, and some state or federal licensing boards can still access your underlying record and may ask you to disclose it during their review.
Will expungement help me pass a Live Scan background check for a job or license?
Expungement often makes Live Scan background checks less damaging for employment and licensing because the case is usually reported as dismissed rather than a current conviction. That said, the record itself may still be visible to some agencies reviewing your Live Scan results. For many Los Angeles employers and licensing bodies, this dismissed status is a major improvement over an open conviction. If you still need Live Scan fingerprinting after expungement, you can schedule an appointment with our Los Angeles office on our Live Scan Fingerprinting page.
How long does the expungement process take in Los Angeles County?
The timeline depends on the courthouse and how complex your case is, but many expungement petitions in Los Angeles County take anywhere from several weeks to a few months from filing to final order. Because employers often move quickly when hiring, it is best to start the process well before you apply for a new job or professional license.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement if I’m mainly worried about jobs and background checks?
You are allowed to file for expungement on your own, but many people in Los Angeles work with an attorney to make sure the petition is completed correctly and tailored to their employment goals. Even if you hire a lawyer, you will still need accurate Live Scan results and properly notarized forms, which is where Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan can help with fingerprinting and document notarization.
Can expunged records still affect federal or high-security job applications?
Yes. Some federal agencies, law enforcement roles, and high-security or public-trust positions may require you to disclose expunged records and will see your full criminal history. Expungement still shows that your case was dismissed, which can be helpful, but it does not guarantee approval for these types of jobs.
Can expungement improve my chances of getting or keeping a professional license in California?
Expungement often strengthens your application or renewal for licenses in fields like healthcare, real estate, finance, and education because it shows the court has dismissed the conviction and you have completed all requirements. Each board has its own rules, so you may still need to explain your history, but an expunged conviction is usually viewed more favorably than an open one. For a step-by-step overview of record clearing in California, visit our Steps to Clear Your Criminal Record in California guide.
Conclusion
Criminal expungement can be life-changing, particularly when it comes to improving employment opportunities. By clearing your record, you not only increase your chances of securing meaningful work but also regain confidence and a sense of freedom in pursuing your career goals.
The process requires careful preparation, including notarized documents and background checks. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we’re here to help you every step of the way—providing mobile notary services, Live Scan fingerprinting, and expert guidance to support your journey toward a fresh start.
Take the first step today. Contact Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan to schedule your notary or Live Scan service and move closer to clearing your record and opening new employment opportunities.
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