The STD 678 Question
"Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor? (Excludes expunged convictions, traffic violations, and arrests that did not result in conviction.)"
This is on every State job application. What matters: convictions, not arrests. And California law excludes certain convictions entirely.
What Counts as a Conviction?
You were convicted in court and the conviction wasn't overturned. An arrest alone doesn't count, even if you spent time in jail. A guilty plea does count.
What Doesn't Count?
- Expunged convictions: California allows you to dismiss many convictions (especially after serving time). These don't exist for State job purposes.
- Proposition 47 or Proposition 64 reductions: Some felonies reduced to misdemeanors under these laws don't count.
- Traffic violations: DUI, speeding, reckless driving—none of these matter.
- Arrests with no conviction: You were arrested but not convicted. Mark "no."
Felonies vs. Misdemeanors
Felonies
Serious crimes (typically over 1 year prison time potential): assault, theft over $500, drug sales, burglary, DUI with injuries, etc.
State hiring decision: Depends on job and when it happened.
Misdemeanors
Less serious crimes (typically under 1 year jail): petty theft, simple assault, DUI without injury, disorderly conduct, etc.
State hiring decision: Usually doesn't disqualify you.
Key point: The State doesn't automatically reject anyone with a felony. They consider: (1) what the crime was, (2) when it happened, (3) what the job is, (4) what you've done since. A 15-year-old shoplifting charge in 2010 won't disqualify you from an IT job in 2026 if you've been working and building a record since.
What Actually Gets You Disqualified
State agencies must conduct a background check and can reject you if the conviction makes you unsuitable. This is job-specific:
Almost Always Disqualifying
- • Sex offender conviction (recent)
- • Murder or attempted murder
- • Child abuse or endangerment
- • Crimes involving dishonesty (if applying for jobs requiring integrity)
Job-Specific Disqualifiers
- • Law enforcement jobs: Felony conviction, domestic violence, dishonesty
- • Jobs working with children: Sex crimes, child abuse, violent felonies
- • Finance/accounting jobs: Fraud, embezzlement, theft
- • Driver positions: DUI (especially recent), reckless driving pattern
Likely Won't Disqualify You
- • Drug conviction from 10+ years ago (especially if expunged or conviction reduced)
- • Misdemeanor assault from 5+ years ago
- • Theft/shoplifting if it's old and you've had clean record since
- • DUI if it was a one-time, years ago, and no prior or subsequent incidents
Should You Expunge Your Record?
If eligible, yes—strongly consider it before applying to State jobs.
California law (Penal Code §1203.4, Proposition 47, Proposition 64) allows many people to dismiss convictions. Once dismissed (expunged):
- • You can legally answer "no" to conviction questions
- • It doesn't appear in background checks for most purposes
- • You can honestly say it doesn't exist
Cost: $100-300. Talk to a lawyer or legal aid organization first—many can help for free if your income qualifies.
If you can't expunge: Still apply. Put "yes" and explain in the STD 678 what happened, when, and what you've done since. Be honest and specific. "I made a mistake at 19, spent 2 years rebuilding, and have been employed for 10 years with no incidents" is powerful.
How to Respond on the STD 678
If "No"
You have no convictions that count (expunged, arrests only, traffic only). Write "No" and move on. Don't over-explain.
If "Yes"
Write something like this:
"Yes. In 2015, I was convicted of [crime]. At age [age], I was [context: struggling with addiction, made poor choices, was in bad situation]. I served [sentence/time]. Since then, I have [be specific: completed rehabilitation program, maintained steady employment at X for 7 years, earned certifications, completed substance abuse counseling]. I have not had any incidents since 2015. I take full responsibility and have rebuilt my life as reflected in my work record."
Be brief but clear. Show growth, responsibility, and time passing. Hiring panels understand that people change.
Real Talk: Do People With Records Get Hired?
Yes, absolutely.
California State government prioritizes rehabilitation and opportunity. Public research and hiring data show:
- • States and agencies with "ban the box" policies (assess record only later) hire more people with records
- • California specifically encourages hiring people who've paid their debt
- • A 10-year-old felony with a clean record since usually doesn't disqualify you
- • If you've done work, training, or community involvement since, that strengthens your case
Next Steps
Start Your Application
If you're eligible, use StateHireReady to find the right job and prepare your materials.
Get Legal Help
Consider talking to a lawyer about expungement:
- • California Public Defenders: Free if you can't afford counsel
- • Legal Aid of San Diego: Expungement clinics (free)
- • Public Law Center: Serves Orange, Ventura counties
Disclaimer: This is educational information based on California law. It's not legal advice. Hiring rules vary slightly by agency and job class. If you have a specific conviction question, talk to a lawyer or contact CalHR directly at 1-866-CalHR1 (1-866-225-4471).