How to Seal & Destroy Arrest Records in California

Updated July 1, 2023

If you were arrested for a crime but never convicted, California law allows you to get your arrest records sealed and destroyed as a matter of right. Sealing a record means that it will not show up on most criminal background checks. Records of arrest will be destroyed, including

• police reports,
• fingerprints,
• booking photos, and
• rap sheet entries.

The process to seal a record involves three key steps:

1. You must first file a petition in the city or county where the arrest took place.
2. The petition must be served on the local prosecuting agency and the police agency that made the arrest.
3. Then a hearing takes place where a judge decides whether to grant or deny the petition.

A criminal defense attorney can handle the entire process for you.

The current law as to sealing originated as California Senate Bill 393, which then-Governor Jerry Brown signed into law on October 11, 2017. Called the Consumer Arrest Record Equity Act (CARE Act), SB 393 is now codified in Penal Code 851.87 PC. This section allows you to have your record of the arrest sealed as a matter of right when:

• No criminal charges were ever filed,
• Criminal charges were filed but later dismissed,
• You were found “not guilty” (acquitted) in a jury trial,
• Your conviction was vacated or overturned on appeal, or
• You successfully completed a pretrial diversion or pre-sentencing program, such as Penal Code 1000 deferred entry of judgment. ¹

An exception to sealing an arrest record as a matter of right is when you have a history of arrests and/or convictions for:

• Domestic violence,
• Child abuse, and/or
• Elder abuse.

As of July 1, 2023 with the passage of Senate Bill 731 – The Clean Slate Act, most people’s arrest and conviction records will get automatically cleared from their criminal record through a process called “automatic relief“:

• Misdemeanor arrests should be sealed after 1 year if there are no charges, and felony arrests should be sealed after 3 years if there are no charges.
• Cases that get dismissed should be cleared immediately.
• Convictions of cases where you are granted probation should be cleared once the case closes.
• Otherwise, misdemeanors convictions will be cleared 1 year after the case ends, while felony convictions will be cleared 4 years after the case ends. (This does not apply to serious, violent, or sex offender felonies.)

To help you better understand the process for sealing criminal records in California, our criminal defense lawyers discuss the following:

• 1. What are the benefits of sealing an arrest record?
• 2. What is California’s Clean Slate Law / SB-731?
• 3. Who is eligible to seal an arrest?
• 4. What does it mean to seal an arrest “as a matter of right”?
• 5. Who is NOT eligible to have an arrest record destroyed in California?
• 6. What counts as a “pattern” of domestic violence or abuse?
• 7. When can a sealed arrest record be legally used in California?
• 8. Is there a deadline for moving to seal my California arrest record?
• 9. What is the process?
  • 9.1 Filing the petition with the court
  • 9.2 The hearing
• 10. How long does it take?
• 11. What remedy do I have if a sealed arrest record is released?
• 12. What is the difference between sealing an arrest record and sealing a juvenile record?

1. What are the benefits of sealing an arrest record?

Criminal records are public records. This means that anyone can access another person’s criminal history.

Prospective employers, apartment owners, state licensing agencies, insurance companies — even potential dating partners — can run a background check and see someone’s criminal history. Such people may not care whether an arrest was justified or resulted in a conviction.

California’s “ban the box” law (codified in AB 1008) prohibits employers from considering a job applicant’s arrests that did not ultimately lead to a conviction. Again, however, employers may dismiss some job candidates because of their arrest records without ever stating this.

But once an arrest record is sealed under PC 851.87, members of the public will no longer be able to see it. The arrest record, police investigative reports, photos, fingerprints and court records will be inaccessible except for limited use by the state of California or criminal justice agencies. In short, a record seal gives the defendant a fresh start.

2. What is California’s Clean Slate Law / SB-731?

In full effect as of July 1, 2023, California’s Clean Slate Law (SB-731) automatically clears most arrest and conviction records from your criminal history after certain conditions or waiting periods are met.

Your California criminal record	When your record is eligible for automatic relief (in most cases)
Misdemeanor arrest with no charges brought	1 year after the arrest
Misdemeanor charge which gets dismissed	Immediately after the dismissal
Misdemeanor conviction where you are granted probation	Immediately after probation is done
Misdemeanor conviction where you are not granted probation	1 year after case closes
Felony arrest with no charges brought	3 years after the arrest
Felony charge which gets dismissed	Immediately after the dismissal
Felony conviction where you are granted probation (not including serious, violent, or sex offender crimes)	Immediately after probation is done
Felony conviction where you are not granted probation (not including serious, violent, or sex offender crimes)	4 years after case closes

The Clean Slate Act takes the burden off you to file a motion to seal or expunge your record. Plus for the first time, it allows for automatic relief of felony convictions where you may have been incarcerated – thereby greatly increasing the employment and housing prospects for countless people.²

Note that the automatic record relief process may get delayed if you pick up new criminal cases in the interim. Plus if your criminal record is never eligible for automatic relief, you still may be able to get relief by filing a petition to seal or expunge.

Also note that automatic relief does not restore firearm rights.

3. Who is eligible to seal an arrest?

Penal Code 851.87 gives people the right to have an arrest record sealed as long as their arrest did not result in a conviction. For purposes of PC 851.87, an arrest did not result in a conviction if any of the following apply:

• No charges were filed and the statute of limitations on each possible felony, misdemeanor, or infraction charge has expired;³
• Charges were filed but they were later dismissed and cannot be refiled (for example, as the result of a Penal Code 995 motion);⁴
• Charges were filed but the defendant was acquitted (found “not guilty”) at trial;
• The defendant was convicted, but the conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal and the charge(s) may not be refiled; or
• Charges were dismissed after the defendant successfully completed a pretrial or pre-sentencing program such as drug diversion.⁵

Note that as of July of 2022, California has been automatically sealing misdemeanor records of people who have stayed out of trouble for one year. Then as of July of 2023, California is automatically sealing most felony records of people who have stayed out of trouble for four years.

However, this automatic record sealing process excludes people convicted of serious or violent felonies. These people would still need to formally petition for a record seal. Plus, sex offenders generally cannot get a record seal.⁶

See our related article on how to expunge a conviction under California Penal Code 1203.4 PC. Expunging is a more difficult process since the defendant has pleaded guilty or “no contest” to, or been convicted of, a crime.

4. What does it mean to seal an arrest “as a matter of right”?

Under the old law (Penal Code 851.8 PC) the person who was arrested had the burden of proving that he or she was “factually innocent.”

SB 393 / PC 851.87 shifts the burden of proof to the prosecutor to prove that someone is not entitled to seal their record — for instance due to a pattern of domestic violence or because charges can still be filed.

Almost everyone else is entitled to have their arrest records sealed as a matter of right (automatically). The key is that the arrest did not result in a conviction and no exceptions apply.

5. Who is NOT eligible to have an arrest record destroyed in California?

A person is not eligible to have an arrest record sealed if any of the following apply:

• He or she may still be charged with any of the offenses upon which the arrest was based;⁷
• The arrest was for murder or another crime for which there is no statute of limitations (unless the person was acquitted or found factually innocent of the charge);⁸
• The person was not charged because he or she intentionally evaded law enforcement efforts to prosecute the arrest, such as by absconding from the jurisdiction;⁹
• The person evaded efforts to prosecute the arrest by engaging in identity fraud and was subsequently charged with a crime for that act of identity fraud.¹⁰

6. What counts as a “pattern” of domestic violence or abuse?

People are not entitled to seal a California arrest as a matter of right if their criminal record shows a “pattern” of:

• Domestic violence,
• Child abuse, or
• Elder abuse.

Under SB 393 and California Penal Code 851.91 a “pattern” is defined as two or more convictions, or five or more arrests, within a three-year period.¹¹

However, people who fall into this category can still petition to have their records sealed on the grounds that doing so would “serve the interests of justice.”

In determining whether the interests of justice would be served by sealing an arrest, the judge may consider any relevant factors, including (but not limited to):

• Hardship to the petitioner caused by the arrest that is the subject of the petition;
• Declarations or evidence regarding the petitioner’s good character;
• Declarations or evidence regarding the arrest; or
• The petitioner’s record of convictions.

7. When can a sealed arrest record be legally used in California?

Although sealing a record effectively destroys it for most purposes, it does not entirely cease to exist.

The sealed arrest may be pleaded and proved if the petitioner is subsequently prosecuted for any other offense.¹²

Additionally, a criminal justice agency may, in the regular course of its duties, access and disclose the arrest to other law enforcement agencies to the same extent as if it had not been sealed.¹³

Sealing also does not relieve the petitioner from:

• Any existing duty to register as a sex offender pursuant to California Penal Code 290 PC;
• Any legal prohibition against holding public office that may result from the arrest;¹⁴
• Any prohibition against owning or possessing a firearm or susceptibility to a conviction for violating California’s “felon with a firearm” law;¹⁵ or
• The obligation to disclose the arrest as otherwise required by law in response to a direct question on an application for:
  • Public office,
  • Employment as a peace officer,
  • Licensing by any state or local agency, or
  • A contract with the California State Lottery Commission.¹⁶

Finally, it should be noted that sealing an arrest applies solely to the specific arrest being contested. It does not erase one’s entire criminal record. People must submit a separate petition for each arrest on their record that did not result in a conviction.

8. Is there a deadline for moving to seal my California arrest record?

Under prior California Penal Code 851.8 people had just two years from the later of their arrest or the filing of charges to petition to seal their arrest record. Penal Code 851.87 contains no time limit for petitioning.

However, the new law has not yet been tested in court.

Accordingly, we recommend filing a petition to seal an arrest as soon as it is no longer possible for the prosecutor to file or refile charges.

An experienced California criminal lawyer can help you determine when you have eligibility to file for relief.

9. What is the process?

Note that the record seal process is automatic for most

• misdemeanors (if you stayed out of trouble for one year) and
• non-serious and non-violent felonies (if you stayed out of trouble for four years).¹⁷

9.1. Filing the petition with the court

A petition to seal an arrest record in California must be filed either:

• In the superior court in which charges based on the arrest were filed or,
• If charges were not filed, in the city or county in which the arrest occurred.

The petition must then be legally served on both:

• The prosecuting attorney of the city or county in which the arrest occurred, and
• The law enforcement agency that made the arrest.¹⁸

Penal Code 851.91 requires the following information to be provided with the petition to seal the arrest record:

• The petitioner’s name and date of birth.
• The date of the arrest for which sealing is sought.
• The city and county where the arrest took place.
• The name of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Any other information identifying the arrest, such as a case or court number.
• The alleged offenses upon which the arrest was based or charges were filed.
• A statement that the petitioner is entitled to have his or her arrest sealed either as a matter of right or in the interests of justice, as applicable.
• If the petition is based on the interests of justice, a statement of how those interests would be served by granting the petition and declarations in support.¹⁹

9.2 The hearing

If the District Attorney contests the petition the court will schedule a hearing.

The county in which you live will determine whether you must personally appear in court for the proceedings or whether your criminal defense attorney can appear on your behalf.

At the hearing the judge will examine the arrest record and, if necessary, evidence of why sealing is in the interests of justice.

Because the judge has so much discretion in deciding whether to grant or deny your motion to seal and destroy your California arrest records — and because the judge can deny your motion with prejudice so that you may not re-file your request — it is critical to hire a skilled California criminal defense attorney.

A responsible attorney will thoroughly research your court case and make sure all paperwork is done correctly the first time to ensure that no time is lost due to incomplete or inadequate forms. S/he will also conduct the PC 851.87 hearing and argue your case to the judge.

10. How long does it take?

If your criminal record is eligible for an automatic seal pursuant to the Clean Slate Act, your record should be cleared within a month. Otherwise, it typically takes about ninety (90) days after filing a petition to get a court order to seal an arrest record in California.

Within 30 days of the court’s issuance of the order to seal an arrest record, the court will notify:

• The law enforcement agency or agencies that made or participated in the arrest,
• The law enforcement agency that administers the master criminal history records, and
• The California Department of Justice.

The petitioner’s master criminal record and court record will then be updated to note that the arrest has been sealed. The file will be stamped that the record may not be released outside the criminal justice sector.

The responsible local law enforcement agency will ensure that this information is included in all master copies, digital or otherwise, of the police investigative report related to the arrest that was sealed.

Arrest records, police officer investigative reports, and court records that are sealed under this section shall not be disclosed to any person or entity except:

• The person whose arrest was sealed, or
• A criminal justice agency (which may use the information to the same extent as if the arrest had not been sealed).²⁰

11. What remedy do I have if a sealed arrest record is released?

Improper dissemination of a sealed arrest can be punished by a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,500 per violation. The penalty may be enforced by a city attorney, district attorney, or the Attorney General.

The person affected may also have the right to bring a lawsuit for compensatory damages or possibly even punitive damages (if the release was reckless or intentional).

Our California personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to people who have suffered damages as a result of their arrest record being unlawfully released.

12. What is the difference between sealing arrest records and sealing juvenile records?

Sealing and destroying an adult arrest record under PC 851.87 is a completely different process from sealing a juvenile record. You are eligible to seal your California juvenile criminal record if

• You are currently an adult, or the jurisdiction of the juvenile court terminated at least five years ago,
• As an adult, you have not been convicted of any crimes involving moral turpitude (that is, crimes that involve dishonesty or immoral behavior), and
• There is no pending civil litigation based on the juvenile incident.²¹

For further assistance…

If you or a loved one needs help having an arrest record sealed under Penal Code 851.87 PC we invite you to contact us for a consultation. You may also like to read our article on How long do arrests stay on your record?

Call us or complete the form on this page to speak to an experienced California defense lawyer. A record seal can greatly increase your employment prospects and ability to get a professional license.

We have local offices in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Long Beach, Orange County, Ventura, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Diego, Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and throughout California.

We can also help if you need to seal a juvenile record or appeal or an expungement of a California criminal conviction. And if you are facing time in county jail or state prison for DUI or other charges, we will fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Defendants who successfully complete a diversion program may be able to get the case dropped.

Additionally, our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys can help if you need to seal and destroy a criminal record in Nevada.

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