Sealing Your California Juvenile Records – Welfare and Institutions Code 781
A juvenile criminal record, if not sealed, becomes a permanent part of your child's file. It's not just a piece of paper, but a shadow that can follow them throughout their life, casting a dark cloud over their future opportunities. It contains all the documents of any arrests, orders dictated by the juvenile court judge, and any other papers concerning the case.
If you have a juvenile criminal record in California, you should consider applying to have it sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code 781.
A juvenile record covers all documents, court orders, and even reports in a juvenile court file. Additionally, it includes any documents relating to the underlying case in the possession of the Department of Justice, Probation Department, and law enforcement officers.
If your child has been in some legal trouble as a minor, it's a common myth that the records are automatically sealed, destroyed, and not accessible to the general public. In reality, you must take proactive steps to seal your child's juvenile records. But remember, you have the power to do so.
If you fail to do so, when you become an adult, your information will remain on public databases for employers, landlords, and financial institutions to review.
This record is kept by the police or other designated law enforcement representatives in the State of California. Until it is sealed, various other agencies can access it for information concerning your child.
Therefore, having the juvenile record sealed allows the young person to ‘get on with their life' with a clean slate.
The records will be closed and destroyed and treated as if they had never occurred. To assist you in the process contact a juvenile criminal attorney serving the area of Los Angeles. Our juvenile attorneys will prepare all the essential legal documents to represent you for your court appearance.
Contact Cron, Israels & Stark for a free consultation today.
The Benefits Of Sealing California Juvenile Records
When attorneys from our firm are asked why a juvenile record should be sealed, we thoroughly discuss all the benefits to the family or the young adult wanting this information.
It has been shown that a juvenile record can have a very harmful effect on one's future. The impact of a negative record includes:
- Job opportunities and what would be available to you
- Getting into a college of your choice
- Applying for and receiving credit approvals
- Difficulty in obtaining immigration status
Therefore, it's in your best interest to seal your juvenile records. This will enable you to say on any school or employment application or one for public licensing that:
- You were never arrested
- You don't have a criminal record
It's important to note that while sealing your juvenile record can have many benefits, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will still allow auto liability insurers to review your juvenile driving record to determine liability risk and to set your insurance premium.
For the assistance you need in sealing your juvenile records, our office has the staff and resources to accomplish this and find out if you are eligible. Consult with an experienced law firm if you require help in sealing your juvenile records.