Before you can clean up your record, you need to see it — accurately, and in full.
California lets you request your own criminal history (your “RAP sheet”) from the Department of Justice.
How to Request It
You can request your own California criminal history from the DOJ through its record-review process, which involves submitting fingerprints (Live Scan) and a form. It is meant for you to review your own record — and, importantly, to challenge errors in it.
What It Shows
A RAP sheet lists arrests, charges, and dispositions — convictions, dismissals, diversions. RAP sheets are frequently incomplete or inaccurate: a dismissed case shown as open, a judicial diversion (PC 1001.95) not reflected, a disposition missing. Errors on a RAP sheet can quietly hurt you on background checks.
What to Do With It
Once you know what is on it, you can act: correct errors, and clear what can be cleared — an expungement (PC 1203.4) for a conviction, sealing (PC 851.91) for an arrest without a conviction, and a PC 17(b) reduction for a felony wobbler. A lawyer can read the RAP sheet and map the fastest route to a clean record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a copy of my criminal record in California?
You can request your own California criminal history (RAP sheet) from the Department of Justice through its record-review process, which involves Live Scan fingerprints and a form. It is designed for you to review your own record and challenge any errors.
What does a RAP sheet show?
It lists arrests, charges, and dispositions — convictions, dismissals, and diversions. RAP sheets are frequently incomplete or inaccurate, such as showing a dismissed case as open or omitting a diversion, and those errors can hurt you on background checks.
What should I do after getting my criminal record?
Correct any errors, and clear what can be cleared — an expungement (PC 1203.4) for a conviction, sealing (PC 851.91) for an arrest without a conviction, and a PC 17(b) reduction for a felony wobbler. A lawyer can read the RAP sheet and map the fastest route to a clean record.
GuidesComplete Guide to California Misdemeanors · Glossary · Penalties Reference.
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Ahmed S. Hasan
San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney · State Bar of California #364992
Ahmed S. Hasan is the founder of ASH Legal, a solo criminal defense practice based in San Francisco. The firm runs on flat-fee representation: one lawyer, one fee, from arraignment through resolution. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices.
Ahmed is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and a member in good standing of the State Bar of California (Bar #364992). His practice focuses on San Francisco misdemeanor defense — DUI, domestic violence, petty theft and shoplifting, drug possession, vandalism, trespassing, and assault and battery — with particular attention to diversion-track outcomes that end in dismissal under PC 1001.95, PC 1001.36 (Mental Health Diversion), PC 1001.80 (Military Diversion), and PC 1001.83 (Parental Caregiver Diversion).
Ahmed previously served as a post-bar clerk with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, the city's largest indigent-defense practice. He is a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley.
He represents clients at the San Francisco Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street) and the Civic Center Courthouse. The ASH Legal office is at 15 Boardman Place, Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Free 30-minute consultations are available by phone or Zoom. (510) 545-6515 · ahmed@ashlegal.com