Sacramento Record Sealing Lawyer
Were you arrested in Sacramento but never convicted of a crime? If so, you may need to get your records sealed to prevent the arrest from affecting your future. Reach out to a record sealing attorney in Sacramento for help with your case.
There are many reasons you may get arrested in Sacramento without ever being convicted of a crime. If the cops suspect that you were driving under the influence, they can arrest you without proof. You can also get arrested for misdemeanor crimes and later have the charges dropped in the Sacramento court system.
Everyone has the right to legal representation and a fair trial. If you fight your charges, it’s possible to avoid conviction. Unfortunately, however, your arrest will show on your criminal record if you don’t take the steps to get your record sealed. A Sacramento record sealing lawyer from Crowell Law Offices can help you move forward in life with a clean record by guiding you through the record sealing process.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement in Sacramento
Record sealing in Sacramento differs from expungement because expungement applies to criminal convictions; record sealing applies to criminal records with no conviction. Record sealing can also apply if charges were filed against you but the charges were later dismissed. Even if you never had to fight your charges in court, you’ll have an arrest record if you don’t seal it.
It’s disheartening that a false arrest in Sacramento can land on your record and negatively affect your life forever, but, thankfully, because of record sealing laws, you can take legal action and remove any trace of the incident.
Ways to Seal Your Record in Sacramento
There are two ways to seal your record in Sacramento. One way is to prove factual innocence for your arrest. Factual innocence can be hard to prove and the judge must agree in retrospect that, given the evidence you provide, your arrest shouldn’t have occurred.
There’s a two-year statute of limitations from when your arrest occurred for sealing a recording by proving factual innocence. If you can successfully prove innocence, however, your record will be sealed and destroyed.
The second method for record sealing in Sacramento was enacted in January 2018 and requires only that you prove eligibility for relief and then motion to the Sacramento court to demand relief. To be eligible for relief, you must have been arrested and receive no convictions and your statute of limitations for filing charges must be expired.
The second form of record sealing in Sacramento won’t destroy your record completely but it will note on your record that your record has been sealed. You may still need to disclose your arrest in certain circumstances of employment, licensure, or contracting.
Contact a Sacramento Record Sealing Attorney
Having the support of an experienced attorney can be beneficial as you work to seal your record. To discuss your case with a Sacramento record sealing lawyer from Crowell Law Offices, fill out the contact form below or call 916-303-2800 to schedule a free consultation.
