Full question:
When my cousin was 14 years old, she got caught shoplifting. She is now 30 and works for an air line where she is always flying internationally. When she comes back, she is always pulled aside for an investigation check. Is there any solution to erase this record and avoid this situation?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Expungement of Criminal Records
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
It is possible to have records expunged in many cases, but the laws vary by state. In the state where the charges were filed, expungement may seal the records from public view rather than erase them completely. However, records may still be accessible for certain sensitive positions, such as in law enforcement.
In California, for example, a person can petition to seal juvenile records five years after the juvenile court's jurisdiction ends or after they turn eighteen, provided they have not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude since then. If the court finds that the person has been rehabilitated, it will order the records sealed, making it as if the events never occurred. The court will notify relevant agencies to seal their records as well. However, if the person has committed certain serious offenses, their records may not be eligible for sealing (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 781).
Once the records are sealed, the individual can respond accordingly to inquiries about the events. If your cousin wishes to explore this option, she should consult with a legal professional who can guide her through the process based on her specific situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.