Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles helps eligible individuals with barriers that stand in the way of them having gainful employment. We may be able to help with:
- Comprehensive services to clean a criminal record through expungement and Prop 47 petitions
- Ban the Box or Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance violations
Need help getting a copy of your criminal record? Read this how-to guide.
Learn more about record-clearing and expungement here.
Visit our clinics for legal help.
Know Your Rights
Subtitles are available in: Chinese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, English. On the bottom bar, look for the “Closed Captioning” icon “CC” and click on it. Click on the wheel icon for Settings, and click on “Subtitles/CC” to select your language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expungement?
In California, expungement (legally called “dismissal”) is a way to set aside a criminal conviction and reduce its impact. Expungement can help when applying for jobs, housing, and occupational licenses.
Does an expungement erase a conviction?
No, but it limits who can see your record. Usually, after an expungement, the court records are restricted from public access and most background checks. In state records, such as RAP sheets and fingerprint (Live Scan) background checks, the conviction will show as “dismissed.” Expungement doesn’t change sex offender registration requirements, impact immigration proceedings, or restore the right to own a firearm.
Can jobs and landlords ask about or consider expunged convictions?
Most jobs and landlords in California cannot consider expunged convictions, and you don’t have to disclose them if asked, but there are exceptions (for example: many government and healthcare jobs, jobs with security clearances or working with sensitive populations, many licensing agencies, and public housing programs). If you have specific questions, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles may be able to help.
Who can still ask about or see an expunged conviction?
Most government agencies and certain types of private organizations, including:
- Law enforcement, courts, and immigration officials
- Child and family services and foster care agencies
- Licensing boards (such as for medical professions and teachers)
- Many jobs in healthcare, schools, or working with sensitive populations
How can I expunge my conviction?
You will need to file a Petition for Dismissal in superior court. You can do this without a lawyer, but it may be easier if you have one. Although most convictions are eligible for expungement, there are certain requirements, and the outcome is not guaranteed. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offers free help with expungements and other types of record-clearing.
Clinics
Whittier Legal Clinic
If you’re navigating justice system involvement or family law issues and need assistance, visit LAFLA’s weekly Legal Clinic at the Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center. Our knowledgeable staff is on-site to support you with issues, including expungements, felony reductions, background check issues, family law matters, and name and gender marker changes.
Hours:
Mondays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesdays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Appointments can be made by calling (562) 261-5611 or visiting the center.
Location:
Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center
7639 Painter Avenue
Whittier, CA 90602
LATTC Legal Intake Clinic
If you’re navigating justice system involvement and need assistance, visit LAFLA’s monthly legal intake clinic at LATTC Worksource Center to find out if you qualify for free legal help with issues including, record expungement, early termination of probation, 290 registration requirements, and more.
Hours:
First Tuesday of the Month
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Walk-Ins Welcome!
Location:
LATTC Worksource Center
400 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Click here to download the clinic flyer.
Haga clic aquí para descargar el folleto de la clínica en español.
Watts Legal Intake Clinic
If you’re navigating justice system involvement and need assistance, visit LAFLA’s monthly legal intake clinic to find out if you qualify for free legal help with issues including, record expungement, felony/misdemeanor reductions, occupational licensing, driver’s license and traffic issues, and more.
2025 Dates:
- Tuesday, September 16
- Tuesday, October 21
- Tuesday, November 18
- Tuesday, December 16
Hours:
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location:
Southeast LA WorkSource Center
Watts Labor Community Action Committee
10950 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Click here to download the clinic flyer.
Haga clic aquí para descargar el folleto de la clínica en español.
Virtual Expungement Clinic
Hours:
2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
All participants must be pre-screened for our services and pre-registered for our clinics. Call 1-800-399-4529 or apply online for screening and registration.