Why is it important to understand my criminal record?

It’s important to know what will show up in your criminal records so that you can make sure it’s accurate, that information that shouldn’t be disclosed stays protected, and so that you can better prepare to deal with your record coming up when you’re trying to get a job, find housing, reunite with your family, apply for public benefits, or go back to school. Furthermore, California has laws that allow you to “clean up “some of your record LATER in the reentry process.