Can an employer ask about my criminal record on a job application in California?

Q & A Main Article 1

Not in most cases. California’s Ban the Box law prohibits an employer from asking you about

  • any arrest or detention that didn’t result in a conviction
  • any arrest for which pretrial diversion has been completed
  • criminal records that have been expunged, sealed or dismissed

California public sector employers (state and local agencies, cities and counties) also can’t ask about criminal records on employment applications, and must review your qualifications before asking about your conviction history.