If you're applying for a federal job or a position with a federal contractor, you may be wondering:
Will my California expungement hide my criminal record? The answer is: it depends on the job.
While California’s expungement process offers important benefits, it doesn’t erase your record completely—and certain federal agencies still have access to those records.
What a California Expungement actually does
If you qualify for expungement, it means your case is reopened, your guilty plea or conviction is withdrawn, and the case is dismissed. This allows you to legally state that you have not been convicted of a crime in most private employment settings.
Expungement can help you:
However, the record is not sealed or destroyed. The arrest and court record will still exist and may still appear in:
Government background checks
Licensing board reviews
Law enforcement databases
Federal Background Checks: What Employers Still See
Federal agencies and contractors often conduct Level 2 or Tier 3+ security clearance checks, which access:
FBI databases
Court record repositories
Law enforcement and Department of Justice systems
This means that expunged records are still visible to many federal employers, even if dismissed.
Examples of Federal Jobs That May Still See Expunged Records:
- TSA or Homeland Security roles
- Federal law enforcement (FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals)
- Military or defense contractors
- Jobs that require a security clearance
- Federal immigration or customs agencies
- Airport, transportation, or border control roles
Should You Still Expunge Your Record?
Absolutely.
Even though some agencies will still see your record, expungement is still worth pursuing because:
It shows you took steps toward rehabilitation
It improves your chances with non-sensitive federal roles
It cleans up your record for most private and state employers
Talk to an Attorney Before You Apply
If you’re applying for a federal job and unsure how your record might affect your chances, speak with an attorney. At the Law Office of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we help clients understand their options and file clean, complete expungement petitions across Los Angeles County. We also help you navigate what to disclose on background check forms, so you can answer honestly without oversharing.
Ready to Clear Your Record?
We offer virtual consultations, affordable flat-fee expungement services, and experience navigating tough background check issues.