The Orange County Public Defender 'New Leaf Program' assists those who are seeking a fresh start and improved opportunities for employment, professional licensing or consumer credit. If you've been convicted of a crime you may be eligible for relief through a relatively simple legal process.
Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record
If you have been convicted of a crime you may be eligible for relief through a relatively simple legal process. Some convictions can be modified on your record so that when you apply for most jobs, you can legally indicate that you were not convicted of that crime. Other convictions may be reduced from felony to misdemeanor status in certain situations. Also, Orange County residents who have completed a term in prison may be eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon.
NOTE: This information deals with criminal convictions obtained in California only. The information and forms are intended to help you with the legal process of cleaning up your criminal record and are not intended as a legal advice. The results may vary. Other states, the military, and the federal government may have similar procedures. The Additional Resources section at the bottom of this page contains links to federal and military websites.
![Leaf Leaf](http://acnudh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Picture1-400x275-2-400x275.jpg)
Resources for Help
The California Courts website has detailed information about cleaning up your criminal record. Read this information carefully before selecting the forms below.
The Orange County Public Defender’s 'New Leaf Program' assists those who are cleaning up with record seeking a fresh start and improved opportunities for employment, professional licensing or consumer credit.
You can also get help from the Self-Help Center
Find out the Details of Your Conviction
In order to clean up your criminal record, you need to know what is on your criminal record so that you can figure out your options and choose the correct forms. Go to the California Courts website to read more about how to get this information.
Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record
![Defender Defender](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125704087/152178348.jpg)
If you have been convicted of a crime you may be eligible for relief through a relatively simple legal process. Some convictions can be modified on your record so that when you apply for most jobs, you can legally indicate that you were not convicted of that crime. Other convictions may be reduced from felony to misdemeanor status in certain situations. Also, Orange County residents who have completed a term in prison may be eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon.
NOTE: This information deals with criminal convictions obtained in California only. The information and forms are intended to help you with the legal process of cleaning up your criminal record and are not intended as a legal advice. The results may vary. Other states, the military, and the federal government may have similar procedures. The Additional Resources section at the bottom of this page contains links to federal and military websites.
Resources for Help
The California Courts website has detailed information about cleaning up your criminal record. Read this information carefully before selecting the forms below.
The Orange County Public Defender’s 'New Leaf Program' assists those who are cleaning up with record seeking a fresh start and improved opportunities for employment, professional licensing or consumer credit.
You can also get help from the Self-Help Center
Find out the Details of Your Conviction
In order to clean up your criminal record, you need to know what is on your criminal record so that you can figure out your options and choose the correct forms. Go to the California Courts website to read more about how to get this information.