A criminal record is a comprehensive list of your interactions with the criminal justice system. Compiled from various sources, it can include details about arrests, detentions, charges and convictions. By understanding how a criminal record may affect your life, you can take steps to clear it.

Understanding the Components of a Criminal Record

A criminal record can accumulate data from multiple encounters with law enforcement and judicial entities. The information that typically appears on a criminal record can include the following.

• Arrests and detentions: Instances where the police have taken you into custody.
• Charges: Formal accusations of criminal activity, regardless of the outcome.
• Convictions: Cases where a judge and jury have found you guilty of criminal charges.
• Sentences and dispositions: Details about the outcomes of court cases.

3 Types of Criminal Records

These entries create a lasting footprint that can influence many aspects of your life, including employment opportunities and loan applications.

1. An FBI rap sheet is a national record of your contacts with the criminal justice system. Access is generally limited to certain employers through state or federal authorization, particularly in positions requiring a high level of security and trust.
2. Each state also maintains a record of citizens’ interactions with its criminal justice system. You may have more than one state rap sheet, depending on where you have lived and what has transpired there. Accessibility to state rap sheets can vary, but often occurs in cases requiring fingerprint background checks.
3. Private companies compile criminal history reports, which are accessible to landlords, employers and other private parties. Typically, these contain less detailed information but are easier to obtain by members of the public.

Can You Expunge a Criminal Record in California?

Having a criminal record can create significant barriers in your life – including preventing you from getting or maintaining a steady job, securing housing or advancing in your career. Errors on your record can further complicate these issues, so you must ensure accuracy and promptly address discrepancies.

California offers a legal avenue to clean your criminal record under specific conditions. This option is generally available for those who have completed probation for their crimes and have not served time in state prison. If granted, an expungement can remove many of the handicaps associated with having a criminal record.

Expunging your record involves filing a petition in court. The court will review your criminal history, how you have conducted yourself since your last criminal contact and any other relevant factors.

Do You Need Reliable Legal Representation?

Cleaning a criminal record can be complex and nuanced. An experienced attorney like Sal Ciulla can help you understand your rights and available options in California. If you are dealing with the consequences of a criminal record or seeking to clear your history, contact our office today for expert guidance and advocacy.