Clean Start - Fair Chance

If you’ve had a run-in with the justice system and want a fresh start — we’ve got your back.


At Three Feet High Foundation, we believe in second chances, fair access, and letting experience become your strength.

Section 1: What Is Record Clearing / “Expungement”

Many people use the term expungement when talking about clearing or cleaning a criminal record.
In California, while the term “expungement” is used broadly, the process is technically called a petition for dismissal under Penal Code §1203.4 or §1203.4a (for eligible misdemeanor or felony convictions). Other types of record relief may also apply depending on your circumstances.

Here are some key points:

Clearing your record can open doors. Filing a petition allows you to ask the court to set aside (dismiss) a conviction, which means for many purposes, you no longer have to disclose it on job or housing applications.

It doesn’t erase the event entirely. Some records may still be accessible for certain situations — such as professional licensing, immigration, or law enforcement roles.

“Record clearing” and “record relief” are common terms for the process.

The outcome: A clearer record means greater access to employment, housing, licensing, and other opportunities.

Resources:
California Courts Self-Help: Clean Your Record
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: Expungement Help
Orange County Courts: Cleaning Your Record

Section 2: Why This Matters for Justice-Involved Individuals

A past conviction can create barriers to work, housing, education, and financial stability.
Record clearing helps reduce those barriers so you can move forward with your skills, experience, and goals — not be defined by your past.

At Three Feet High Foundation, through our Hidden GEMS initiative, we believe justice-involved individuals bring resilience, insight, and value to the workplace.


Employers who embrace fair-chance hiring don’t just meet compliance goals — they gain access to exceptional, motivated talent.

Fair-chance laws (see below) play a key role in protecting your rights as you re-enter the workforce.

Section 3: Fair Chance / “Ban the Box” Laws (California)

California’s Fair Chance Act — also known as the “Ban the Box” law — limits when and how employers can ask about or consider your criminal history.

Here are some key protections:

For employers with five or more employees, it’s illegal to ask about conviction history on a job application before making a conditional offer.

After a conditional offer, if an employer chooses not to hire you based on your record, they must provide:

  • Written notice of their intent,

  • A copy of any background check or report used, and

  • An opportunity for you to respond or submit evidence of rehabilitation.

Employers must conduct an individualized assessment — considering the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and how it relates to the job. They cannot simply reject you for having a record.

These protections, combined with record-clearing efforts, strengthen your ability to compete fairly in the job market.
At Three Feet High Foundation, we advocate for fair-chance practices and support individuals navigating this process.

Resources:
California Civil Rights Department: Fair Chance Act
Legal Aid at Work: Criminal Records and Employment Rights
National Employment Law Project: Fair Chance Hiring Guide

Section 4: How to Get Started (Self-Help Steps)

Here’s a simple roadmap to begin the process:

  1. Get your record.
    Request your criminal record (RAP sheet or court docket) to understand your eligibility.
    → Orange County Courts – Cleaning Your Record

  2. Check eligibility.
    Determine whether your conviction qualifies for dismissal under Penal Code §1203.4 or §1203.4a, or whether other relief (like a Certificate of Rehabilitation) may apply.
    → Los Angeles County Courts – Criminal Record Clearing

  3. Obtain the correct forms.
    Use official self-help resources from the California Courts website.
    → California Courts Self-Help Center

  4. File your petition.
    File in the same court where your conviction occurred. Fees may apply, and some cases require a court appearance.

  5. Follow through.
    Once your petition is granted, keep copies of the order, update your records, and notify employers or housing providers as needed.

  6. Connect to opportunities.
    With your record cleared, programs like Hidden GEMS can connect you with employers who value your experience and resilience.

Important Note: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For assistance with your specific situation, contact a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization.

Section 5: Resource Directory

Below are trusted resources to help you navigate record clearing and fair-chance employment.

For Justice-Involved Individuals

California Courts — Clean Your Record Self-Help Guide

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles — Record Clearing Clinic

California Civil Rights Department — Fair Chance Employment Rights

Code for America — Clear My Record Tool

Section 6: How Three Feet High Foundation Can Help

At Three Feet High Foundation — and through our Hidden GEMS initiative — we support justice-involved individuals in three ways:

  • Connection to Resources: We help you navigate record clearing, understand fair-chance laws, and access employment supports.

  • Talent Visibility: Through Hidden GEMS, we showcase your skills and experiences to employers committed to second-chance hiring.

  • Advocacy: We partner with employers, workforce boards, and policymakers to shift culture — from exclusion to empowerment.