An arrest history might significantly affect your life. Finding a career, a position in college, or an apartment to rent could become challenging. Having your arrest record sealed is one way to put an end to some of these problems. It used to be difficult to do so, but according to the California legislature, you can now have your arrest record sealed if you were arrested but were later found not guilty of the offense for which you were detained.

While there are many advantages to sealing your arrest record, we must emphasize its limitations at Law Office of Michael L. Fell. Continue reading to discover the benefits and what you shouldn't anticipate. Then call (949) 585-9055 to schedule your no-cost legal consultation.

Advantages of sealing your arrest record

If you were arrested, the details are available to the public. You can view your arrest history at any time. If you have it sealed, though, it will appear as though it never happened and will not be accessible to the general public. As a result, you are legally allowed to reply "no" when asked if you have ever been arrested on an application for employment or housing by a landlord.

This may make it simpler to get housing, join the military, obtain a security clearance, obtain a job, enroll in school, or obtain a professional certification. To put it simply, it can be simpler to get by in life if nobody knows about your arrest history.

What won't occur if your arrest record is sealed

It's crucial to understand that sealing your arrest record does not completely erase the incident, even though it is frequently a wonderful alternative and has advantages. There are several situations where you must still declare that you were arrested. This applies to applications for public office, contracts with the California State Lottery Commission, police officer employment, and licenses from federal, state, or municipal organizations.

In the event that you are arrested again, the prosecutor will also be able to see your previous arrest. This means that the prosecutor may assume you have a pattern of behavior if you are charged with another offense. For instance, the prosecution will probably try to use a sealed arrest to demonstrate that you have a pattern of theft if you are charged with grand theft again ten years after being charged with it the first time but are not found guilty.

Having your arrest record sealed won't help you regain your firearms rights if you've already lost them. Nevertheless, you have a few choices. We can assist you in determining the right course of action, from governor pardons to Certificates of Rehabilitation. If you need a free legal consultation from a criminal defense lawyer because you have been charged with a crime, if you want to seal your arrest record, or for any other reason, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055.