How Can I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in California?

Posted on: September 17th, 2021 by Dod Law

Whether or not you are convicted, it will go onto your record when you are arrested for a crime. That criminal record can damage your daily life as it may affect your ability to gain employment, take out a loan, lease an apartment, or lease a vehicle. 

Dod Law is an award-winning criminal defense law firm helping clients in California. While a criminal record may feel like a permanent hindrance to your life, no one should have to suffer because of an arrest that was not even justified. To prevent this, there are ways to have your criminal record sealed in California.

How to Seal Your Record if You Were Not Convicted in California

An arrest may end up on your criminal record even if you were not convicted of the crime in California court. This can be extremely frustrating for individuals who suffer as a result of this stain on their records. You may have been arrested due to unlawful, unjustified evidence or profiling. Some ways you may be able to get your criminal record sealed include:

Factually Innocent

If you can prove that there was no justifiable reason behind your arrest, then you may be able to have the charges removed from your record. You may have to provide evidence that the arrest was not justifiable. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you provide any necessary evidence to have those charges removed. 

Charged But Not Convicted

When you are charged with a crime, it does not automatically mean that you cannot have your record sealed. You may be charged but not convicted of a crime that has had the statute of limitations run out, or you may have been acquitted. In either of these situations, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed. 

Conviction Was Reversed

If you appeal your conviction and it was successfully reversed, then an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you have your criminal record seal. 

How to Seal Your Record if Your Were Convicted in California

No one should have to deal with a conviction affecting aspects of their life forever, especially if they have already served their sentence. Many people do not know that you may be able to have your criminal record sealed, even if they were convicted of the crime. While it is possible, it is more complicated, so you may want to reach out to a trusted criminal defense attorney. 

Completed Probation

If you were given probation over jail time or a prison sentence, you may be able to get your criminal record sealed. This is true whether you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and is contingent on whether you completed your probation to the court’s satisfaction. It should be noted that when you apply to have your record sealed, you may not be currently serving probation for another conviction. 

Completed the Terms of Your Sentence

If you have been sentenced to jail time, you may think it is impossible to have your record sealed. However, that is not the case. If you have served your sentence and met all agreed-upon terms, you must then wait a year and then you may apply to have your criminal record sealed. 

Completed a Diversion Program

If the court decides to send you a diversion program, such as anger management or a rehabilitation center, after completing the program, you may be able to apply to have your record sealed. 

California Criminal Defense Lawyer is On Your Side 

Everyone deserves a second chance at life, even those who have been convicted of crimes. Being able to have your criminal record sealed after an arrest or conviction may be the key to starting your life over for the better. 

Dod Law is a California criminal defense law firm with experience helping clients apply to get their criminal records sealed. For over 17 years, Attorney Dod has been providing his clients with award-winning representation and care. For a free consultation, contact us here or call (619) 814-5110.