A conviction that has been set aside or dismissed following probation as permitted by Penal Code Section 1203.4?

A conviction that has been set aside or dismissed following probation, as permitted by Penal Code Section 1203.4, is considered a conviction for certain purposes, even though it may have been dismissed legally. This means that, when applying for jobs or licenses, some contexts still recognize the original conviction as part of the applicant's history, which is crucial in situations like background checks.

This law allows individuals to apply for dismissal of a conviction after completing probation, but it doesn't erase the fact that a conviction occurred. Employers or licensing boards may take this into account when evaluating an applicant's qualifications or suitability for a position, particularly in sensitive roles involving public safety, such as emergency services. The distinction is important because it highlights the nature of legal records and the ongoing responsibility of individuals to disclose relevant information, possibly impacting their application process despite the set-aside status.