How to Seal Juvenile Records in California

Law Office of Katie Walsh

Mistakes made during youth shouldn’t define the rest of your life. Unfortunately, juvenile records can often act as a barrier to future opportunities. The good news? You don’t have to carry that burden forever. In California, sealing juvenile records can be a powerful way to help young people move forward without the stigma of their past decisions. Katie Walsh, a seasoned Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, can help you clear these records. She will guide you through the process, ensuring that your past doesn’t define your future, giving you the clean slate you deserve.

Understanding and Sealing Juvenile Records in California

Juvenile records contain information about offenses committed by individuals under 18. These records, including arrest records and court documents, remain accessible to law enforcement, schools, and employers unless sealed. In California, some serious juvenile offenses may be tried in adult court under Welfare and Institutions Code § 707. However, if the case stays in juvenile court, sealing the records is still possible, even for serious charges.

Eligibility for Sealing Juvenile Records

To seal juvenile records in California, individuals must meet specific criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old or have completed probation.
  • Adhere to a waiting period, which varies depending on the offense. This usually ranges from six months to as long as five years.
  • Maintain a clean record since the juvenile offense, with no pending charges or convictions.
  • Successfully complete probation.

The Process of Sealing Juvenile Records in California

Sealing juvenile records in California involves several important steps:

  • Obtain Your Juvenile Records: Start by obtaining a copy of your juvenile records from the court. This will help you identify the information contained in the records and determine your eligibility for record sealing.
  • Petition for Record Sealing: Prepare a petition for record sealing, including all necessary information, such as your personal details, the offenses you wish to seal, and the reasons for sealing. Your attorney can help you complete this process accurately.
  • File the Petition: File the petition with the court that handled your juvenile case. Pay the necessary filing fees and submit any supporting documents required by the court.
  • Review by the District Attorney’s Office: The District Attorney’s Office will review your petition and may object or raise concerns if they believe you are not eligible for record sealing. Your attorney can address any objections raised by the District Attorney’s Office and advocate for your case.
  • Court Hearing: If there are no objections or after resolving any objections, a court hearing will be scheduled. It is essential to attend the hearing to present your case before the judge. Your attorney will guide you through this process and ensure that all necessary arguments and evidence are presented.
  • Judge’s Decision: After considering the arguments and evidence presented, the judge will make a decision regarding the sealing of your juvenile records. If the judge grants the petition, your records will be sealed, and the information will no longer be accessible to the general public.

Let Katie Walsh Help You Seal Your Juvenile Records

Your past shouldn’t define your future, and sealing your juvenile records is the first step toward ensuring it doesn’t. While sealed records remain accessible to certain law enforcement agencies, the general public, employers, and educational institutions will no longer have access. Katie Walsh has dedicated her career to helping young individuals like you overcome their past and step confidently into the future. She understands that mistakes happen, and her compassionate approach ensures that those mistakes don’t define your story. Take control of your future by calling Katie at (714) 619-9355.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client

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