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How to Seal Juvenile Records in California
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.
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