What Does it Mean to Seal your Juvenile Record?
Sealing the records for your juvenile crimes in California means that all records held by the police department, the court, the district attorney, and the probation department will be deemed not to have occurred. You can answer “no” to any questions asking whether you have a criminal record or whether you’ve ever been arrested. You can also answer “no” if you are asked if you have a sealed record. (See T.N.G. v. Superior Court (1971) 4 Cal.3d 767).
Why is it Important to Have your Juvenile Record Sealed?
It is important to have your juvenile record sealed because when you apply to potential employers, colleges, college financial aid programs, and professional licensing agencies, you might be asked about having a criminal record. If your juvenile record is sealed, you can deny having a criminal record on all of these applications. To ensure your juvenile record is sealed efficiently, you may need the help of an experienced California expungement lawyer. Agencies (in addition to local law enforcement and probation departments) may have records about you and your background. These agencies should be contacted immediately after your juvenile records are sealed.
Once given notice by the court, these agencies are required to remove any reference to your juvenile record and to respond that they have no record for you if asked. Also, sealing your records means that you are not required to register as a sex offender in California under Penal Code Section 290. Welf & IC §781(a)
For a free consultation to discuss your case please call Wallin & Klarich at 888.280.6839. Our top California criminal defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any of your questions. You can also visit us at www.wklaw.com for more information.