CALIFORNIA Criminal Record: Does expungement make a difference?

Not familiar with CA law. But the basic idea behind expungement, generally, is that it removes any record of the former accusation / conviction... it's as if it never happened... and, therefore, need not be reported thereafter.

However, my overall sense is that if you're looking to expunge a record that's been on the books for years, just because you've had no further run-ins with the legal system in the interim, then you may be in for a difficult time. Usually expungement rules apply to situations much closer in time to the original transgression, and under very specific criteria. Still, you may wanna check out the actual CA procedural rules.

Nevertheless, that the act in question took place when you were so young and that your intervening record is "clean" are significant points to highlight should expungement not be available.

Good luck!