Are you looking to seal an arrest record? Quite too often, law enforcement arrests innocent people throughout the U.S. Fortunately, you may be able to have your arrest record sealed and destroyed to prevent the public from finding out about the unfortunate incident.

What our Clients Say...
“Great service. Highly professional and efficient creating legal documents. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend them to others. People who are looking for professional legal services look no further, try A People’s Choice.”
Radtech N.
“I Recently used A PEOPLE’S CHOICE !!!! This service is absolutely AMAZING !!!! At first I was so confused , but after their process was explained to me , everything worked exactly the way they Said it would & they are there to help with the process. every step of the way , as promised. I would recommend this service 100% based on them being so efficient, professional, and always available to address any concerns that you may have . I appreciate the work that they did for me . THANKS !!!!“
R. Ivey
“I was in need of some serious help and didn’t know what to do. I had contacted a lawyer and he wanted to charge me $1800.00. A People’s Choice got my paper work started and at a much lower cost. I am very grateful for the company’s services.
April R.
“This company is excellent! They helped me get through all of my paperwork, submitted it to the court, and now everything is complete. Everything was clear and almost too easy. I saved thousands of dollars!”
Seth M.
“A People’s Choice – Saved me time, money & hardship. The people are professional and a pleasure to work with, I totally recommend them to everyone! I will used them for all my legal documents in the future. Thank you!”
C. Lazalde
“How much is peace of mind worth to you? This company of hardworking, caring individuals will help you get the job done in the quickest, most efficient way. Conveniently located. Check it out. Thank you!”
Diana K.
“My wife and I needed to have some papers filed in court but found that traditional lawyers were quite expensive. They did a very professional job completing our paperwork and I might say, at a very reasonable price.”
D. Hileman
“A People’s Choice prepares legal documents so you can represent yourself and still look like you know what you’re doing. I utilized their services recently and found them to be professional as well as extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Evan J.
“Extremely satisfied with the performance of A People’s Choice. The communication was excellent and all was handled in a timely efficient manner.”
Pam T.
“A People’s Choice is extremely customer orientated and friendly. Their service was fast and reliable. in the future, should I need their services again, I will not hesitate to call them. All e-mails were answered with either a phone call or e-mail sometimes even late at night”
Tar
“I can’t say enough about the level of service and professionalism I received working with A People’s Choice. Emails were always responded to quickly and thoughtfully. I ended up saving a lot of money by going with A People’s Choice over an attorney.”
M. Rice
“A People’s Choice is a great option to get legal documents prepared inexpensively. They offer a very professional, low cost service for all sorts of legal paperwork. You won’t be disappointed and will save lots of money as compared to using an expensive attorney!”
Kathryn R.
“I am glad I chose A People’s Choice. They were very friendly and helped me with my documents in a very efficient way in very little time. Give them a try and you will be writing a positive review just as I did.”
D. Buelna
“This team is efficient, professional, ethical and easy to work with. Any of my questions were responded to immediately. They did everything they could to help me. I highly recommend their services.”
Leigh A.
“I have worked with A People’s Choice since September 2013. They are very knowledgeable and experienced. Their work is done professionally and timely. They showed a real concern for my situation. I recommend you give them the opportunity.”
D. Echeverra
“A People’s Choice is a business that delivers what they promise. I was treated like a VIP by their staff and Sandy was the best. As for their services, they promptly delivered all of the official documents and fillings on my behalf and their price is more than reasonable.
Juan B.
“I had the opportunity to use A People’s Choice again, Wow doesn’t say enough for the way the staff was able to get me in and out and all my answers answered. Very Professional, Organized and Friendly. I highly recommend!”
Debbie E.
“I needed help understanding and filling out legal documents but I didn’t have enough money to pay for an attorney. I would highly recommend A People’s Choice for your legal documents as you will get outstanding service at an affordable price. “
Sharon B.
“I was very happy with the service received. They were extremely responsive by phone and email and completed the document in less than 24 hours! All questions were answered promptly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a legal document prepared!”
M.D.
“We love A People’s Choice. It’s legally run and professional. Everyone has to have a recommendation and license. Highly recommended.”
Christy C.
“I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The customer service and professionalism are exceptional. This service is only a fraction of the cost, more responsive, and better suited to quickly completing complicated court forms. “
Linda F.
“Lightning fast response, I had my very simple document on the same day as my order for the very fair and reasonable price compared to my attorney who quoted me 3 weeks and $2500. I will definitely use these folks again and highly recommend them!”
L. Carnes
“I recently required the help of A People’s Choice, Inc. and found them to be entirely professional. Everything was done in short order yet all was explained to my satisfaction. They were friendly and courteous. I am happy and impressed.”
C. Zyobel
“Made the process so easy for me. Also VERY prompt replies through email. So glad I used their services.”
Kristina C.
“Very professional, excellent follow up and easy to work with. I will recommend them often! The staff rocks!”
Gene A.
“The service provided by A People’s Choice was very professional and comprehensive. We have used A People’s Choice on a previous occasion and were completely satisfied. We would highly recommend A People’s Choice to anyone!”
R. Betancourt
“A People’s Choice is awesome! They made the legal documentation process painless. I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The name says it all.”
Eric J.

Get help to Seal an Arrest Record!

California Penal Code section 851.8 allows misdemeanor and felony arrest records to be sealed for adults.

Here is what California Penal Code section 851.8 provides:

  • In any case where a person has been arrested and no accusatory pleading has been filed, the person arrested may petition the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense to destroy its records of the arrest.
  • A copy of the petition shall be served upon the prosecuting attorney of the county or city having jurisdiction over the offense.
  • The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense, upon a determination that the person arrested is factually innocent, shall, with the concurrence of the prosecuting attorney, seal its arrest records, and the petition for relief under this section for three years from the date of the arrest and thereafter destroy its arrest records and the petition.
  • The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offense shall notify the Department of Justice, and any law enforcement agency that arrested the petitioner or participated in the arrest of the petitioner for an offense for which the petitioner has been found factually innocent under this subdivision, of the sealing of the arrest records and the reason therefor.
  • The Department of Justice and any law enforcement agency so notified shall forthwith seal their records of the arrest and the notice of sealing for three years from the date of the arrest, and thereafter destroy their records of the arrest and the notice of sealing.

You Must Be Innocent to Seal an Arrest Record

To seal your arrest record, you must prove that you are factually innocent. Factually innocent means there is no reasonable cause or evidence that a crime took place. You may be eligible to have your arrest record sealed and destroyed if you meet the following criteria:

  1. You must show that you are factually innocent; and
  2. The prosecutor did not file charges against you after the arrest; or
  3. You were charged with a crime but the court dismissed your case; or
  4. A jury found you not guilty.

If the court or a jury found you guilty or you pled guilty, you cannot seal your arrest record. You must file a separate motion for each arrest record you would like sealed. If the court grants the petition, the public will no longer have access to the record making it as though the arrest never took place. All files of the arrest will be sealed (fingerprints, police booking documents, mug shot, etc.).

Steps to Seal Your Arrest Record

To begin the process, you will have to petition the law enforcement agency that arrested you. The agency may grant, deny, or not respond to your petition. If the agency approves your request, the court can seal your arrest record. If the agency denies or fails to respond to your request, you can petition the court for relief. In order to seal an arrest record, you will have to serve the law enforcement agency with your petition. There may be a court hearing in which both parties can argue their case. It usually takes about 90 days to receive a decision from the court from the initial filing of the petition to seal your arrest record

Contact A People’s Choice for more information on how to seal your arrest record. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to hire an attorney to seal an arrest record. Call us today at 800-747-2780.

Get help with your Legal documents today!

A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

GET STARTED!

Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.