Thursday, September 5, 2013

Can a Domestic Violence charge be sealed in the State of California?

The short answer is "No."   California does not have a remedy to "seal" arrests or convictions, with one limited exception where there has been a factual finding of actual innocence.    However, California does have allow you to "expunge" your convictions so long as you have successfully completed probation.   Penal Code section 1203.4 allows you to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, enter a not-guilty plea, and have the Court dismiss the case against you.    There are some benefits to getting an expungement pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4, but it does not "seal" your record.