What Shows On Employer Background Check After Expungement
This is probably the most popular question our clients ask us - what exactly will show on a criminal background check after an expungement has been completed (dismissal pursuant PC 1203.4). Once an expungement is done the case / conviction information will either be removed completely, or only updated to reflect that an expungement has been done, based on the type of background check that is ran on you. There are two types of background checks that can be conducted based on the type of information the entity requesting the background check has access to.
(1) Using Your Fingerprints: Very few entities have the right to ask for this type of very intrusive background check (e.g., working with children, banks, etc.). However, in this situation your whole record will be visible, including all arrests, convictions and expungements. However, the expungement will help even in these situations as it is illegal for any employer to consider any arrest information that did NOT result in a conviction, which is what your case will be once we are done with it. Your case will be updated on this type of background check to state "Dismissed Pursuant PC 1203.4."
(2) Using SSN: This is the type of background check that is conducted by 99.999% of entities that will run a background check on you (typical employers, landlords, etc.). On this type of background check all information about the case will be removed once the expungement is done. This means that when you answer "no" after the expungement on applications that ask if you have a criminal history, and your criminal background check will accurately match your answer.
Summary:
In almost all situations your expunged case will not display on a criminal background check ran on you by an employer, landlord or lender. Meaning you can approach opportunities with confidence and peace of mind. It must also be noted that you should NEVER pay a company to update the databases after expungement, as this is done automatically and for free (read about how expedited database updating services are a scam).
