Clearing your record in Contra Costa County

Here's how to get record clearance in Contra Costa County

1. Applying for Post-Conviction Relief in Contra Costa County

   Go to https://www.cocopublicdefenders.org/ fill out the Clean Slate application, and email the application to the Clean Slate Unit at cleanslate@pd.cccounty.us. In addition to submitting the application, please email us a personal statement that discusses the impact that your arrest or conviction has had on your life. We also might ask you for letters of recommendation and additional documents after we receive your application and personal statement.

   Contacting the Clean Slate Unit is safe and confidential. We are not part of law enforcement and we will not share your information without your permission. We know it can be difficult to talk about your conviction history, but our office will only use this information to assist you with your record clearance application.

2. After Your Application Is Submitted

   The Clean Slate Unit will contact you in 5-10 business days to discuss your eligibility and next steps, once we receive your application. Our Clean Slate staff members will assist you during the record clearing process and we will keep you updated on the progress of your case. We will also alert you if your case requires a court appearance.

3. Work with The Public Defender to complete your request

   Felony expungement petitions take approximately 6-8 months to receive a hearing date and misdemeanor expungement petitions take approximately 2-4 months to receive a hearing date.

   The Clean Slate Unit will contact you if we need additional documents. We will also notify you of the outcome of your petition at the conclusion of your case. If your expungement petition is granted, the court clerk’s office will forward the information to the California Department of Justice in order to update your RAP sheet. This process normally takes thirty to sixty days.

   If you continue to experience issues with expunged convictions showing up during your background checks, please contact our office for additional assistance. You can also read more about what happens after clearance.