California’s Clean Slate law represents one of the most progressive efforts in the country to provide individuals with a fresh start after a brush with the criminal justice system. At its core, the law is about redemption, allowing people who have served their time and stayed out of trouble to move forward without the burden of a permanent criminal record.
The Clean Slate reforms began with Assembly Bill 1076, which became effective in 2021. This initial effort required the automatic sealing of certain arrest and conviction records once an individual had completed all terms of their sentence and had remained crime-free for a designated period. In 2022, the state took a bold step further by enacting Senate Bill 731, which significantly expanded the scope of the law. As of July 1, 2024, SB 731 makes it possible for individuals with most non-violent felony convictions—including those that resulted in a prison sentence—to have their records automatically sealed, so long as they meet specific eligibility criteria and remain arrest-free for four years after completing their sentence.
The process is intentionally designed to be automatic. Rather than forcing people to navigate a confusing and costly legal system, the Department of Justice is tasked with identifying eligible records and notifying courts to seal them. This shift removes a significant barrier for many Californians who might otherwise be unaware of their eligibility or lack the resources to pursue record clearance on their own.
Not all offenses qualify for relief under the Clean Slate statute. Serious or violent felonies, sex offenses that require registration, and individuals currently on probation or parole are generally excluded. However, for the vast majority of people who committed low-level crimes and have since rebuilt their lives, the law offers a powerful mechanism to reduce stigma and open doors.
The benefits of Clean Slate legislation are profound. Sealing a criminal record can dramatically improve access to employment, housing, professional licensing, and education—key factors that reduce recidivism and promote public safety. Employers and landlords conducting background checks will no longer see sealed convictions, helping individuals move forward without being defined by their past mistakes.
California’s Clean Slate statute is more than a legal reform; it’s a social one. It reflects a growing understanding that the consequences of a criminal conviction shouldn’t last a lifetime, especially for those who have paid their debt and demonstrated a commitment to positive change. By making second chances the norm—not the exception—California is taking a meaningful step toward a more just and equitable society.
If you have a prior offense and have questions about record clearance matters or the Clean Slate reforms, contact Attorney Holden Green to learn more.
