Were you ever sent to the Division of Juvenile Justice (“DJJ”) (formerly known as the California Youth Authority (“CYA”) and commonly referred to as Juvenile Hall or Juvie) when you were a kid?  Would you like to forget about the mistakes you made when you were younger?  A common misperception is the belief that your juvenile record gets set aside or sealed on its own when you turn 18.  The fact is that your juvenile record is there for everyone to see until you take the appropriate actions to set it aside.  The legislature has enacted Welfare and Institutions Code 1772 allowing you to petition the court to have your juvenile record set aside.  If the petition is granted your original juvenile crime(s) will be expunged from your record and show as dismissed on your record rather than as convictions.

I focus on record clearance laws and specialize in juvenile criminal record clearing matters.  I will work on your case from beginning to end thereby optimizing your chance of getting your juvenile record set aside.

If you were never sent to the Division of Juvenile Justice (i.e., juvenile prison) but have a juvenile record, my juvenile record sealing service is probably more applicable to your situation.

No Hidden Fees

Beware of law firms that have hidden fees on their early termination of probation service (e.g., processing fees, hearing fees, etcetera).  I offer low fixed pricing, which means you know what your juvenile record set aside will cost upfront with no hidden fees.  My single low price covers everything from start to finish.

Juvenile Record Set Aside Summary

Your juvenile record is visible on any criminal background check.  Since 80% of employers conduct background checks, do not take a chance and let your youthful mistake hurt your adult aspirations.  Under Welfare and Institutions Code 1772 I am able to petition the court to have your juvenile crime expunged.  If the petition is granted, the court will re-open the case, set aside the factual finding of guilt or nolo contendere (i.e., no contest) plea, and dismiss the original case.  You will no longer be considered convicted of the juvenile crime and your criminal record will be permanently changed to display a dismissal rather than a juvenile conviction.  You can truthfully tell employers, your family, and all other interested parties you have not previously been convicted of a juvenile crime.

Below are the requirements you have to meet for juvenile record set aside:

     1. You must have been sent to the California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) (formerly known as the California Youth Authority (“CYA”) and commonly referred to as Juvenile Hall or Juvie). If you were not sent to a juvenile detention center, you may be able to seal your juvenile record, which offers substantial relief.  View my juvenile record sealing page. 

     2. You must have been honorably discharged from the Division of Juvenile Justice, which means you served your parole without issue.

     3. Five years must have elapsed since your were honorably discharged from the Division of Juvenile Justice.

     4. You cannot have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude as an adult (i.e., offenses that are intuitively wrong or dishonest).  Examples include theft, violent crimes, drug-related crimes, etcetera.  Examples of crimes not considered crimes of moral turpitude include DUI, trespassing, drunk in public, regulatory offenses, etcetera.

If you meet the above requirements, I can help you.  Once you sign up for my services, I will begin working your case.  The average juvenile record set aside case takes anywhere from two-six months and depends on how backed up the court is at the time I file the petition. 

Benefits of Juvenile Record Set Aside

Other than the mental freedom you feel after getting your juvenile record set aside, many tangible benefits exist to getting your juvenile record set aside:

     1. Private employers in almost all cases cannot ask about juvenile convictions dismissed under Welfare and Institutions Code 1772, nor can a conviction dismissed be considered for employment purposes.

     2. Your past conviction will now show as dismissed in most national databases used for background checks.

     3. You can truthfully and legally answer “no” on private sector job applications when asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime.

     4. You can greatly increase your earning capacity by becoming eligible for more employment opportunities.

     5. You become eligible for more types of professional licenses and certificates.

     6. You can become eligible for better student loans.

     7. You can become eligible for better housing assistance.

     8. You can tell friends and family you have not been convicted of a crime.

     9. You have the satisfaction of forgetting the past for good and moving forward into a positive future.

Why Hiring An Experienced Attorney Is Critical

It is essential you speak with an attorney to see if your juvenile record qualifies for a juvenile record set aside under Welfare and Institutions Code 1772.  If your juvenile record is eligible a lot of work must be done.  It is critical the petition is properly done properly and the appropriate evidentiary support filed with the petition.  All prescribed deadlines must be satisfied (e.g., the district attorney must be given 15 day notice, etcetera).  The presiding judge often schedules a hearing during which I will argue the strengths of your petition.  I will attend this hearing, and you will not be required to go to court in most instances.  Juvenile record clearance law is fairly complex and the juvenile court system can be difficult to navigate.  Retaining an experienced attorney will not only alleviate anxiety you might have regarding the process but also increase your chances of success.

I am dedicated to record clearance laws and specialize in juvenile record set aside cases.  From the time you sign up for my juvenile record set aside service until the resolution of your case I will handle everything for you including the services below:

     1. Analyzing your unique case details.

     2. Providing expert legal advice.

     3. Conduct necessary legal research.

     4. Providing an accurate assessment of your chances of success.

     5. Preparing supporting evidence.

     6. Preparing the petition.

     7. Filing the petition with the court.

     8. Serving the petition on the district attorney and probation department.

     9. Paying all court costs.

     10. Paying all filling fees.

     11. Scheduling the hearing.

     12. Responding to any district attorney opposition.

     13. Attend court hearings on your behalf.

     14. Arguing your case at court hearings.

     15. Obtain a signed court order.

     16. Updating the criminal databases.

     17. Re-filing (if necessary).

     18. Case status updates to you.