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Record Mitigation
& Reintegration Clinic

The Record Mitigation and Community Reintegration Clinic helps individuals clear their criminal records post-probation or custody to improve employment opportunities and reduce recidivism. We conduct community outreach and partner with Employment and Social Services to educate about rights regarding criminal records in hiring.

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Our services include expungement, felony-to-misdemeanor reductions, early probation termination, rehabilitation certificates, arrest record sealing, and sex-offender registry removal. To start, complete our Record Mitigation Intake form. Our Director will review your Yolo Superior Court records, assess eligibility, and may request your DOJ Criminal History Report. If eligible, we'll create a personalized relief plan and guide you through any additional documentation needed.

Expungement

An expungement dismisses your criminal case after completing probation or custody, marking your conviction as dismissed on your RAP sheet. While this allows you to state "no conviction" on most job applications, you should disclose the expunged conviction when applying for government jobs, positions requiring government licenses/permits, State Lottery work, or security clearance positions. Given online records, full disclosure with explanation of the expungement may be advisable.

Limitations: Some offenses cannot be expunged, including prison sentences, certain Vehicle Code violations, sex offenses, and dismissed cases. An expungement will not:

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  • Erase the conviction from your RAP sheet

  • Restore firearm rights

  • Remove sex offender registration requirements

  • Seal court files from public view (except probation reports)

  • Prevent the conviction's use as a prior offense

  • Allow omission on government license applications

  • Prevent immigration consequences

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Note: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

Reduction of a Felony to a Misdemeanor

Eligible felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors, preventing their use in future felony-related charges like firearm possession. You can request this reduction during probation, after probation ends, or post-expungement.

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Note: If the conviction was a strike under Three Strikes Law, it remains a strike unless reduced at initial sentencing. Federal gun laws may still treat the conviction as a felony.

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This information is for guidance only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

Early Termination of Probation

California law allows early probation termination when justified by good conduct and reform. To qualify, you must have:

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  • Completed all probation terms without violations

  • Fulfilled all program requirements

  • Served substantial time (typically half of probation)

  • Demonstrated good cause, such as:

    • Job denial/termination due to probation status

    • Military service barriers

    • Professional licensing restrictions

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This information is for guidance only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

Certification of Rehabilitation

A Certificate of Rehabilitation restores civil rights and serves as an automatic pardon application to the Governor. Available for most felonies and specific misdemeanor sex offenses (PC 290), it primarily serves those with prison sentences. Multiple felony convictions require California Supreme Court recommendation.

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Eligibility requirements:

  • No re-incarceration since release

  • California residency for 5+ years

  • Completed rehabilitation period (7-10 years)

  • Prior expungement if on probation

  • Must be felony or qualifying sex offense

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Limitations:

  • Doesn't seal records

  • Cannot deny conviction on applications/licensure

  • No firearm rights restoration

  • Excludes certain offenses (PC 269, 286(c), 287(c), 288, 288.5, 288.7, 289(j), 288a(c))

  • Not available for most misdemeanors

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For non-qualifying cases, direct Governor's Pardons may be pursued separately through the Governor's website.

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This information is for guidance only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

Record Sealing

Seal an adult or juvenile arrest record

Under PC 851.91, adults can petition to seal arrest records if:

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  • No charges filed within statute of limitations

  • Case dismissed and can't be refiled

  • Found not guilty

  • Conviction overturned on appeal

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Ineligible if:

  • Convicted (plea or verdict)

  • Charges still possible

  • Intentionally evaded law enforcement

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Statute of limitations:

  • Misdemeanors: Generally 1 year

  • Felonies: 3 years (< 8-year punishment), 6 years (≥ 8-year punishment)

  • Some felonies have no time limit

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Effects of sealing:

  • Hides arrest from public

  • Seals arrest records/police reports

  • Limited to criminal justice agency access

  • Allows denial of arrest except for:

    • Public office

    • Peace officer jobs

    • State/local licenses

    • State Lottery contracts

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Limitations:

  • Doesn't prevent future court use

  • Criminal justice agencies retain access

  • No gun rights restoration

  • Must disclose for specific applications

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Records typically sealed within 30 days. Check DOJ Criminal History Report after 90 days to verify. For juvenile records, contact Public Defender's Adolescent Defense Unit.

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This information is for guidance only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

PENAL CODE 290 REGISTRATION RELIEF

What is PC 290 registration relief?

California's new tier-based sex offender registration system (effective January 1, 2021) replaces lifetime registration with three tiers:

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  • Tier 1: 10-year minimum

  • Tier 2: 20-year minimum

  • Tier 3: Lifetime registration (Juvenile offenders may have shorter periods)

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Key points:

  • Check tier status with local registration agency

  • Registration period starts upon release from custody

  • Extended by failure to register or new custody time

  • Petition filing available after July 1, 2021 (on/after birthday)

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Petition process:

  • File in current registration county

  • Serve law enforcement and DA

  • Must prove current registration

  • Continue registering until court approval

  • Process takes 120-180 days

  • DA may challenge based on community safety

  • Automatic approval if unchallenged and eligible

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To begin:

  1. Maintain registration

  2. Get Tier Notification Letter and registration proof

  3. Complete record mitigation form

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This information is for guidance only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal counsel.

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