Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Sealing records when charges were dropped.

I was arrested at 17 for GTA and the juge ended up dropping the charges. I did have to do community service. and was on probation and had to report to my parents. Would I need to seal my records? Would that be considered a conviction? Would my job have the ability to use that against me?

Thank you


Asked on 3/04/09, 12:21 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Sealing records when charges were dropped.

The judge didn't "drop the charges" if you were on probation, he either reduced them to a lesser offense, and/or he entered a 'terminal disposition' order. You'll have to obtain the court records to know. If this was in juvenile court, the records can possibly be sealed, but not expunged. If it was in adult court, you may be able to expunge it so you can say 'no' to conviction on most private employment applications. Yes, your job can 'use that' info in deciding whether to hire or keep you. Feel free to contact me if serious about getting legal help on this.

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Answered on 3/04/09, 1:34 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Sealing records when charges were dropped.

The judge didn't "drop the charges" if you were on probation, he either reduced them to a lesser offense, and/or he entered a 'terminal disposition' order. You'll have to obtain the court records to know. Records are forever. However, if this was in juvenile court, the records can possibly be sealed, but not expunged. If it was in adult court, you may be able to expunge it so you can say 'no' to conviction on most private employment applications. Yes, your job can 'use that' info in deciding whether to hire or keep you. Feel free to contact me if serious about getting legal help on this.

Read more
Answered on 3/04/09, 1:35 pm


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