If you were arrested in any part of California, and were not convicted, you can have your record expunged. Arrests are not convictions, but appear on background checks, possibly dettering job prospects. Once your record is sealed, all information is destroyed including your fingerprints, booking photos, and arrest report are sealed and destroyed.
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor in and have successfully completed your sentence, you may be eligible to have your record expunged. If you are on probation, you may be eligible to end your probation early. Once the record is expunged, you can truthfully say that you were not convicted of a crime.
If you were convicted of a felony and did not serve prison time, you may be able to have your conviction reduced to a misdemeanor and the record expunged. Those who served prison time will have to apply for a California Certificate of Rehabilitation. If you are still on probation, you may be eligible to have your probation terminated early. Once your record is expunged, you can honestly say you were not convicted of a crime.
If you were arrested or convicted as a juvenile, your record can still affect you. California offers record sealing, so you can put your past behind you and stop fearing background checks. Once your juvenile record is sealed, governmental agencies are required by law to state they have no juvenile records.
If you are on probation and have attended all assigned classes and paid all fines, you may be able to end your probation early. The California Courts have wide discretion in approving a probation termination, but your chances are much higher if you've served at least half your probation.